Former Minnesota Vikings offensive lineman Ed Ingram believes a change of scenery has completely altered the trajectory of his NFL career. After spending the first three seasons of his career in Minnesota, Ingram was traded to the Houston Texans during the 2025 offseason. One year later, the former second-round pick says the move has been exactly what he needed.
Speaking with Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston, Ingram credited the Texans' coaching staff under DeMeco Ryans:
"Coming here was probably the best thing to ever happen to me in my career, coming here and having a coach. Pretty much take me under his wing and kind of hone in my skills, because the skills were there. It just needed to be honed in and just controlled a little bit. It has helped me out tremendously."
The Vikings selected Ingram with the No. 59 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft out of LSU, immediately inserting him into the starting lineup at right guard. Over three seasons in Minnesota, he appeared in 48 regular-season games while making 41 starts.
Although Ingram flashes with the Vikings, consistency was often an issue during his time in Minnesota. Pass protection struggles and penalties led to criticism throughout his tenure, leading the team to ultimately move on following the 2024 season, sending Ingram to Houston in hopes of giving both sides a fresh start.
The move has paid off for the 27-year-old. Ingram earned a starting role with the Texans during the 2025 season and put together the strongest campaign of his NFL career. His improved play earned him a three-year, $37.5 million contract extension this offseason, validating both Houston's decision to acquire him and his belief that he simply needed the right coaching environment.
While Vikings fans may interpret his comments as a criticism of his former team, Ingram never directly took a shot at the organization that gave him his first opportunity. Instead, he repeatedly emphasized the positive impact that the Texans coaching staff has had on his confidence, technique and overall development.
Now entering the 2026 season on a new deal, Ingram is confident Houston is capable of making a deep postseason run:
"We fight for each other every day. Appreciate everybody that supported me, that has been supporting me, that will support me. We're going to have a great year this year. We're going to win a game. Mark my words, we're going to that Super Bowl."
For Ingram, the trade that ended his Vikings tenure has become the turning point of his career, and he believes his best football is still ahead of him as he looks to help the Texans compete for a Lombardi trophy.
