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Texans rookie CB Kamari Lassiter gives back to UGA following breakout season

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Kamari Lassiter wants to continue to see Georgia talent flourish in college before they reach the NFL.

It’s why the Houston Texans’ rookie cornerback chose to give back to his alma mater following an impressive first season in the pros. 

Lassiter, arguably the NFL’s top rookie defensive back in 2024, gave the UGA Athletic Association’s Scholarship Endowment Fund $4,000 on Tuesday afternoon. The $4,000 served as an honor of the No. 4 he wears for the Texans. 

“This gift is me trying to give back to the University, a place, the people who poured so much into me,” Lassiter said in a statement. “Throughout my time at Georgia, I learned so much and met so many people who laid their hands on my life and I can never fully repay the University of Georgia and the Athletic Association back for that.  This is something small that I can do for the people who come after me because I want to leave the place better than how I found it.”

Drafted 42nd overall after three seasons in Athens, Lassiter exceeded expectations as the running mate opposite of All-Pro defensive back Derek Stingley Jr. His 45.6% opposing completion percentage was the lowest allowed by any defender with at least 50 targets during the regular season. 

Lassiter’s three interceptions and 10 passes defended were tied for sixth-most among rookie cornerbacks. He also helped Houston clinch a second AFC South division title and recorded a fourth pick in the wild-card round win over the Los Angeles Chargers.

A former four-star recruit out of American Christian Academy in Tuscaloosa, Ala., Lassiter started 29 games in three seasons with the Bulldogs, helping Kirby Smart capture back-to-back national championship titles. He totaled 86 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 15 pass breakups and an interception.

“We are grateful for Kamari giving back to the program,” Bulldogs coach Smart said in a statement. “His mother, Kammie, and his family instilled values and a work ethic in him, and he’s developing into a man we can all be proud of. Kamari was a special player for us during the 2021 and 2022 championship runs, and he is proving what sort of competitor he will now be in the NFL.”

The Texans currently own the No. 25 pick in April’s NFL Draft.