The Texans made some noise even before the start of the NFL Draft, and it's not for a trade or free agency signing.
Houston revealed that popular Twitch streamer Sketch will announce a draft pick during the 2024 NFL Draft.
Sketch is well-known in the gaming community. And he has become a viral sensation in the sports world in recent weeks for his signature celebrations, which athletes have adopted on the field.
Sketch hit the stage on Day 3, announcing the Texans' fourth round pick. He opened his famous line, "What's up brother?" while wearing his C.J. Stroud jersey.
special team, special Draft pick announcement ☝️@thesketchreal | @HoustonTexans pic.twitter.com/mlvkgnnySZ
— NFL (@NFL) April 27, 2024
Leading up to the draft, Sketch was featured in multiple social media posts on the official NFL account alongside fellow streamer IShowSpeed. The two competed in a handful of NFL combine challenges and met Caleb Williams.
Sketch hurt his hamstring while running a route and was taken away on a stretcher. Williams gave Sketch a game-worn jersey perhaps as a get-well gift.
@nfl stay strong brother ☝️ #ishowspeed #sketch #calebwilliams #nfl ♬ original sound - NFL
Sketch's injury severity is unknown, but he's still announced a Texans draft pick on Saturday. Here's all you need to know on the streamer.
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Who is Sketch?
Sketch is a popular Twitch and TikTok streamer who primarily plays Madden NFL video games. He began streaming during the summer of 2023.
The 25-year-old streamer has amassed 1.8 million TikTok followers and 397,000 YouTube subscribers, all under the username "thesketchreal."
He was born and raised in Houston, Texas, and is often seen wearing his Stroud Texans jersey.
Why is Sketch announcing a Texans' draft pick?
Over the past few years, the sports world has become much more intertwined with the gaming community.
Players have adopted streaming in their free time, sometimes even connecting with full-time content creators. Sketch, a full-time streamer, frequently wears his Stroud jersey on stream — whether it's in his house playing Madden or running routes with Stroud himself.
@overtimeszn Sketch rly out here living his dreams man 🙏 @Sketch (h/t @breezyclips) #sketch #whatsupbrother #tuesdaytuesday #cjstroud #texans #football #madden ♬ original sound - Overtimeszn
NFL franchises typically bring in a fan — famous or not — to announce a selection during the NFL Draft. Sketch will handle the honors for at least one of the Texans' picks this year since he's an avid Houston fan.
NFL DRAFT RANKINGS: QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | EDGE
'What's up, brother?' meme, explained
While Sketch is a strong Madden NFL player, his popularity didn't come (solely) from his skill.
His fun personality and catchphrases are what made him standout among the thousands of streamers. His most famous is his "What's up, brother?" line that he parlays with his index finger raised to the sky.
Athletes and fans alike have adopted the phrase and used it as both a celebration and greeting. Sketch even has Williams in on celebration, creating their own handshake ahead of the draft.
@nfl elite handshake brother ☝️😂 #calebwilliams #sketch #nfl @Sketch @Caleb Williams ♬ original sound - NFL
Houston Texans draft picks 2024
The Houston Texans didn't have a first-round draft pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. They traded their first-rounder this year in a package to move up to No. 3 in the 2023 NFL Draft.
The Texans' first pick of the draft will come in the second round, barring a trade.
| Round | Pick |
| 2 | 10 (42) |
| 2 | 27 (59) |
| 3 | 22 (86) |
| 4 | 23 (123) |
| 4 | 27 (127) |
| 6 | 12 (188) |
| 6 | 13 (189) |
| 7 | 18 (238) |
| 7 | 27 (247) |
