The Houston Texans players have not had reasons to be excited heading into training camp over the past two seasons, with former quarterback Deshaun Watson dominating the headlines over his trade demands and allegations made by over 25 women of sexual misconduct, and the head coach hiring debacle that caused the team to panic and name former defensive coordinator Lovie Smith as coach.
It was a very dark and abysmal place for many veterans who had heard the chatter of the team being dysfunctional and lacking in the leadership department.
The mood has changed with training camp set to start in less than ten days, and the dark cloud has been lifted from over the Houston Methodist Training Center.
Texans Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil expressed his excitement about the upcoming season when he was a guest on Adam Schefter’s podcast.
“Don’t sleep on us, man,” Tunsil said when asked about the Texans being underdogs. “We got some talent on the team. Especially on the defensive side and the offensive side. You saw it last year, in last year’s games. We fought to the end. It wasn’t like we were getting blown out. We fought to the end in every game. Just don’t sleep on us. Don’t count us out. Just watch the underdog work.”
First-year coach DeMeco Ryans has revitalized the players’ spirits, giving them a winning attitude heading into the season.
“These last past three seasons with the Houston Texans have been rough,” said Tunsil. “We have had three different head coaches, and they all have been trying to change the culture but couldn’t get it done. But DeMeco has changed that already. The sky is the limit. There is some energy in that building, and it feels great.”
“I know what I am getting from DeMeco every single day. That same type of energy that I need, the organization needs, and my teammates need. He is a players’ coach and listens to what the players have to say, which is very important in today’s game.”
