Tank Dell’s first touchdown after being injured in a shooting was heartwarming

Some moments in sports are so special that they unite all fans, regardless of their interests.

One of those moments occurred during the Houston Texans’ 20-12 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Friday night at Acrisure Stadium in Week 1 of the preseason.

Texans wide receiver Tank Dell, playing in his first game since suffering a season-ending fibula fracture in December 2023 and sustaining a minor injury during a shooting at a Florida nightclub in April, scored a touchdown on Houston’s second drive of the game.

It was refreshing to see Dell back on the field, but scoring a touchdown on top of that? Dell’s teammates instantly recognized how important the moment was for the second-year receiver.

As Dell completed the reception, his new Texans teammate Stefon Diggs could be seen holding his hands in the air in an emotional celebration of Dell’s touchdown.

Then CJ Stroud, who is close friends with Dell in addition to being his quarterback, approached the receiver on the sideline, exchanged a high five and excitedly celebrated the touchdown catch with him.

Dell, during a Week 13 game against the Denver Broncos, had to be taken off the field on a stretcher after suffering what turned out to be a fractured fibula while blocking an inside run at the goal line.

Then in April, Dell was the victim of a shooting when an altercation occurred at a Florida nightclub, in which 10 people were injured, including Dell, who suffered a minor leg wound.

After the game, Dell spoke to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo and expressed how grateful he was to be back on the field.

“Coming here healthy and feeling good, 250 days after I stepped on the field and played in an NFL game,” Dell said. “It felt good to be back playing.”

Stroud was just as happy during his post-match press conference.

“It’s good to see him back on the field,” Stroud said. “I’m really happy for him. It’s awesome to see him persevere and make a big play. That’s just who he is.”

In 11 games played as a rookie, Dell had 47 receptions for 709 yards and seven touchdowns.