The Houston Texans have found an unexpected gem in their backfield, and his name is on everyone's lips. Well, technically, it's his nickname. Woody Marks has quickly become a fan favorite in Houston, but the story behind his moniker is as colorful as the character that inspired it. From a tongue-twisting birth name to a mother's clever solution and a childhood fixation on a certain cowboy doll, the tale of how Jo'Quavious Dequane Marks became "Woody" is pure Americana.
Before he was turning heads in the NFL, Marks carved out an impressive collegiate career that spanned two major programs. The 5-foot-10 running back from Atlanta, Georgia, spent his first four seasons with the Mississippi State Bulldogs, where he developed his craft in the rugged SEC. His profile on the Bulldogs' athletics website still bears his given name, Jo'Quavious Dequane Marks, a testament to how recently his transformation became official. Seeking a fresh start for his final year of eligibility, Marks transferred to the University of Southern California, where he exploded onto the national scene. As a Trojan in 2024, he posted a career-high 1,133 rushing yards and found the end zone nine times, proving he could be a workhorse at the highest level of college football.
What made Marks particularly valuable wasn't just his production, but his reliability. Over 608 carries in college, he fumbled just once—a staggering display of ball security that NFL scouts couldn't ignore. This combination of productivity and dependability convinced the Texans to invest a fourth-round pick in him during the 2025 NFL Draft. Houston already boasted a proven starter in Joe Mixon, who was coming off a stellar season, and had even added veteran Nick Chubb as insurance. Marks was viewed as a developmental prospect, a luxury pick for a team with championship aspirations. But fate had other plans.
When Mixon went down with an injury, the door cracked open. Even with Chubb in the fold, Marks kept making plays. Each week, he looked more explosive, more decisive, more like the best back on the roster. Texans fans, always hungry for a new hero, quickly embraced the rookie. His compact frame, patient running style, and relentless effort reminded many of the qualities that make successful NFL running backs. But it was his name—his simple, memorable, two-syllable nickname—that made him instantly marketable and endlessly chantable.
The origin of "Woody" begins with the difficulty of pronouncing Jo'Quavious Dequane. During his college days, stadium announcers repeatedly butchered his name after touchdowns. According to Marks, the breaking point came during an away game when the public address system mangled his name so badly that his mother decided enough was enough. "I once scored in an away game, and they said my name wrong," Marks recalled in an SEC Media Day interview. "My mom got mad, and she went up to the press box, and she was like, 'Just call him Woody.'" The solution was born out of frustration but rooted in childhood affection.
The nickname wasn't arbitrary. Marks had been obsessed with Pixar's Toy Story franchise since he could walk and talk. The cowboy character Woody wasn't just a favorite—he was an identity. Marks claims he wore a Woody Halloween costume for seven consecutive years, a streak that would make any child envious. But his dedication went far beyond October 31st. "I wanted to wear it every day at school," Marks admitted with a laugh. "I actually did. I wore it Monday through Friday. I probably had like 10 (costumes). I would cry if (my mom) wouldn't let me wear it." His closet overflowed with Toy Story merchandise: costumes, backpacks, accessories. He wasn't just playing dress-up; he was embodying his hero.
As he grew older, family members naturally began calling him Woody. The name stuck within his inner circle long before it became his public persona. When his mother suggested it to the press box announcer, she was essentially making official what had been true at home for years. From that moment forward, Jo'Quavious Dequane Marks became Woody Marks in box scores, roster sheets, and eventually, NFL draft cards. The transition was seamless because it was authentic.
The irony isn't lost on fans that a player named after a toy cowboy has become such a serious weapon on the football field. There's nothing plastic or artificial about his game. His running style is physical yet intelligent. He waits for blocks to develop, finds creases that other backs might miss, and fights for every yard. The same determination that made him wear a Woody costume to school every day now drives him to squeeze through defensive lines and break tackles in the open field.
In Houston, the timing couldn't be better. The Texans are building something special around quarterback C.J. Stroud, and finding a running back who can grow with their young signal-caller is crucial. Marks represents more than just depth; he represents the future. His rookie contract will keep him affordable for four years, and his skill set perfectly complements Houston's offensive philosophy. He can run between the tackles, catch passes out of the backfield, and most importantly, protect the football.
The story of his nickname has become part of his brand. In an era where players' personalities are celebrated and marketed, having a backstory that connects to one of the most beloved animated characters of all time is pure gold. Children in Houston can easily remember his name, and parents appreciate the wholesome origin. It's a refreshing change from the typical narratives that surround professional athletes.
As the 2025 season progresses, expect to hear more about Woody Marks. Whether he's breaking off long runs, scoring touchdowns, or simply providing reliable depth, his name will be called often. And each time it is, it's worth remembering that behind that simple, catchy nickname is a young man who once loved a cowboy doll so much that he became him. From Jo'Quavious Dequane Marks to Woody Marks, from Mississippi State to USC to the NFL, his journey proves that sometimes the best names aren't given—they're earned through passion, persistence, and a mother's perfect solution to a mispronunciation.