Houston Texans rookie wide receiver Jaylin Noel has yet to play a snap in the NFL, but he’s already making headlines for more than just his draft status.
As Noel prepares for his first professional season, a heartfelt message from his fiancée, Aliyah Hunter, offered fans a glimpse into the trait that defines him both on and off the field: his relentless work ethic.
Hunter shared a photo on Instagram of Noel sporting his new Texans jersey, writing, “Words cannot express how proud I am of this man. He truly is the definition of hard work. Love you so much.”
Noel, who began his college career at Iowa State as an under-the-radar three-star recruit, finished as a Day 2 selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. His journey from overlooked prospect to NFL draft pick is a testament to his dedication, preparation and leadership.
During his time at Iowa State, Noel’s routine included at least 90 minutes of film study per day. He was also known for arriving early to practices—before his teammates—to work on timing routes with the Cyclones’ quarterbacks.
Asked about his impressive NFL Combine performance, Noel credited his preparation. “I had put in eight weeks of work leading up to the NFL Combine during the training process,” he said. “Seeing it pay off through the results was a fantastic feeling.”
Noel’s work ethic extended beyond his own development, influencing teammates as well. A two-time captain at Iowa State, his leadership was recognized by both players and coaches.
“Jaylin, what he’s done here in his career has been incredibly impressive,” Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell said. “To watch his maturity, to attack the moments—whether it’s the Senior Bowl, the Combine, or those meetings—he’s just knocked it out of the park.”
As Noel embarks on his NFL career with the Texans, the dedication highlighted by his fiancée and coaches will be a key factor in his professional development and success at the next level.