Devin Singletary, known to fans as “Motor,” has carved an impressive journey in the National Football League through consistency, adaptability, and sheer determination. From his breakout college years at Florida Atlantic University to his evolving professional career in the NFL, Singletary’s story exemplifies grit, development, and quiet leadership. This article provides a deep dive into his career trajectory, playing style, 2025 performance trends, and what makes him one of the most underrated yet impactful running backs in modern American football.
Devin Singletary: A Snapshot of His Journey
Devin Singletary was born on September 3, 1997, in Deerfield Beach, Florida. Standing at 5’7” and weighing around 203 pounds, he may not fit the typical mold of an NFL running back, yet his career has been defined by his unique ability to make defenders miss and create yardage from minimal space. He earned the nickname “Motor” during his youth because of his relentless energy and work ethic, a moniker that would follow him throughout his football journey.
After an electrifying college career at Florida Atlantic University (FAU), where he rushed for over 4,000 yards and 66 touchdowns in three seasons, Singletary declared for the 2019 NFL Draft. The Buffalo Bills selected him in the third round (74th overall), marking the beginning of a professional career built on balance, vision, and quiet consistency.
The College Years: Building the Foundation
At FAU, Singletary became a household name for college football enthusiasts. His sophomore season in 2017 was particularly outstanding — he rushed for 1,918 yards and 32 touchdowns, earning Conference USA MVP honours. His performance that season broke multiple school and conference records, placing him among the top running backs in the nation.
His college tape displayed an uncanny ability to anticipate defensive pressure, maintain balance after contact, and find creative lanes in tight situations. Analysts often compared his vision to that of NFL greats like LeSean McCoy and Frank Gore. Though undersized, Singletary’s football IQ and field awareness gave him an edge over taller, faster backs.
Transition to the NFL: Early Years with the Buffalo Bills
Adjusting to the Pro Level
Devin Singletary joined the Buffalo Bills in 2019, entering a team that was rebuilding its offensive identity around young quarterback Josh Allen. In his rookie season, Singletary showed flashes of brilliance. He rushed for 775 yards and two touchdowns on just 151 carries, averaging 5.1 yards per attempt. His agility, acceleration, and ability to change direction mid-run immediately made him a valuable asset in the Bills’ offence.
Shared Workload and Team Contribution
Throughout his time in Buffalo, Singletary shared carries with other backs such as Zack Moss and later James Cook. Despite not being the sole featured back, he consistently contributed both in the running and passing game. Between 2019 and 2022, he accumulated over 4,000 total yards and 20 touchdowns for the Bills.
One of his standout performances came during the 2021 playoffs, where he delivered critical runs and short-yardage conversions that helped Buffalo dominate the New England Patriots in the Wild Card round. His reliability under pressure and ball security earned him the trust of head coach Sean McDermott.
Moving Beyond Buffalo: Finding New Ground
Signing with the Houston Texans
In 2023, Devin Singletary signed with the Houston Texans, seeking a larger role and a new challenge. His arrival coincided with the Texans’ rebuilding phase, led by rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud. Under offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik, Singletary’s patience and vision were put to good use in a zone-run scheme that played to his strengths.
Breakout Performances
By mid-2024, Singletary had cemented himself as the Texans’ lead running back. He surpassed 1,000 total yards for the first time since leaving Buffalo and became instrumental in balancing the Texans’ offence. Notably, in Week 10 of the 2024 season, he rushed for 138 yards and a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals, his highest single-game total as a Texan.
His efficiency also improved significantly — averaging 4.6 yards per carry — as he thrived behind an improved offensive line and a young, dynamic quarterback who kept defences guessing.
Playing Style: What Makes Devin Singletary Unique
Devin Singletary’s game is defined not by size or speed, but by vision, elusiveness, and technique. His short stature actually works in his favour, allowing him to hide behind blockers before bursting into open lanes. He has one of the best broken-tackle rates among running backs of similar stature.
Strengths
Vision and Patience: Singletary is a master at reading blocking schemes and waiting for gaps to develop.
Contact Balance: Despite his size, his low centre of gravity allows him to absorb contact and stay upright.
Pass-Catching Ability: His versatility in short-yardage passing situations adds value to any offensive system.
Durability: Rarely injured, Singletary’s resilience has allowed him to maintain consistent availability for his teams.
Areas for Improvement
While reliable, Singletary’s top-end speed and long-run explosiveness are moderate compared to elite backs. He compensates, however, with shiftiness and intelligent decision-making.
Recent Trends: Devin Singletary in 2025
As of 2025, Devin Singletary continues to play a significant role for the Houston Texans. Under head coach DeMeco Ryans, the team has leaned into a balanced offensive strategy, where Singletary’s efficiency and reliability have kept him central to their plans. Advanced analytics from Pro Football Focus rank him in the top 10 among all running backs for yards after contact and top 5 for missed tackles forced per attempt.
Social media discussions across X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube reflect growing recognition for Singletary’s contributions. Analysts highlight him as a “quiet leader” and an example of consistent production without fanfare. Fantasy football communities now view him as a valuable mid-round pick, given his steady usage rate and ability to generate points even in shared backfields.
Real-Life Lessons from Devin Singletary’s Career
Consistency Over Flash
Singletary’s career embodies the value of consistency. In an era dominated by flashy plays, his steady, reliable performances prove that success in sports often depends more on discipline than hype.
The Power of Adaptation
Transitioning from Buffalo’s cold-weather grind to Houston’s high-tempo system required adaptability — both mentally and physically. His success shows the importance of embracing change and learning new schemes quickly.
Leadership Through Action
Though not a vocal star, Singletary leads by example. Coaches and teammates frequently praise his professionalism, preparation, and humility, traits that aspiring athletes can learn from.
The Statistical Breakdown
According to NFL official statistics and ESPN reports:
Career Rushing Yards (as of 2025): Over 4,800 yards
Career Rushing Touchdowns: 24
Average Yards Per Carry: 4.5
Receptions: Over 200 career catches
Receiving Touchdowns: 6
These numbers reflect both longevity and efficiency. His lack of fumbles (averaging less than one per season) further demonstrates his reliability.
Practical Tips for Aspiring Running Backs Inspired by Singletary
Focus on Vision and Balance
Speed is valuable, but understanding how to read defences and maintain balance after contact is what separates average backs from great ones. Study film as Singletary does — focusing on patience before acceleration.
Master the Fundamentals
Simple techniques like hand positioning, footwork, and lower body strength form the foundation of elite running. Singletary’s disciplined approach to fundamentals allows him to excel without extraordinary physical gifts.
Build Mental Resilience
From being underrated in the draft to sharing carries early in his career, Singletary’s path shows that mental toughness is essential. Players should embrace every challenge as an opportunity to grow.
The Broader Impact of Singletary’s Career
Devin Singletary’s success serves as a reminder that the NFL is not just about highlight reels — it’s about dependability, adaptability, and professionalism. He exemplifies the modern running back: a hybrid capable of running, catching, blocking, and adjusting to multiple systems.
His journey also represents a broader shift in NFL dynamics, where teams now prioritise versatility over pure physicality. Singletary’s consistent output across systems and coaching changes has positioned him as a blueprint for balanced, sustainable careers in a high-pressure sport.
The Future Outlook
Looking ahead, Singletary’s role with the Texans appears secure for the next few seasons. His contract extensions and leadership within the locker room make him a mentor figure for younger players. If he maintains his current production, he could surpass 6,000 career rushing yards by 2026 — a milestone few running backs achieve given the league’s short lifespan for the position.
FAQs
What team does Devin Singletary play for in 2025?
As of the 2025 NFL season, Devin Singletary plays for the Houston Texans, where he serves as the team’s primary running back.
How tall is Devin Singletary?
Devin Singletary stands at 5 feet 7 inches tall, making him one of the shorter running backs in the NFL, but his size contributes to his agility and low centre of gravity.
What college did Devin Singletary attend?
He attended Florida Atlantic University (FAU), where he became one of the most productive running backs in college football history, rushing for 66 touchdowns in three seasons.
What are Devin Singletary’s career stats?
As of 2025, he has over 4,800 rushing yards, 24 rushing touchdowns, and more than 200 receptions, showcasing his versatility as both a runner and receiver.
What makes Devin Singletary’s playing style unique?
His vision, patience, and contact balance make him stand out. Unlike many speed-based running backs, Singletary thrives on timing, angles, and intelligent playmaking.
To Conclude
Devin Singletary’s career is a testament to persistence and professionalism in an unforgiving sport. He may not dominate headlines, but his impact on the field and in locker rooms speaks volumes. From FAU to the NFL, he’s proven that success doesn’t always require flash — sometimes, it’s about steady, dependable excellence. As of 2025, Singletary continues to shape the Texans’ offence and redefine what consistency means in the modern NFL era.
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