J.J. Watt: Texans Hit 'Absolute Home Run' With DeMeco Ryans Hire
HOUSTON — Coach DeMeco Ryans expressed his pleasure upon receiving the news of J.J. Watt's introduction to the Ring of Honor. And Watt shared the same sentiment when Ryans took the helm as the new coach of the Houston Texans.
"I think Houston is in an incredibly exciting position right now," Watt said. "You hired DeMeco Ryans, who obviously in my opinion is an absolute home run hire in terms of knowledge, his wisdom, his energy, his experience."
Ryans and Watt played one season together as teammates. It came during Watt's rookie season in 2011 when the Texans finished the year with a 10-6 record. Ryans said what he remembered most about Watt was the work ethic he brought to practice as he strived to be the best player within Houston's locker room.
The season Ryans and Watt played together established a foundation of success that helped Houston reach new heights during the 2010s. It was a decade that witnessed the Texans qualify for the post-season on six separate occasions. And Watt believes they will be able to replicate the success under Ryans' stewardship as coach.
"He brings from a leadership standpoint," Watt said. "I think you give DeMeco the proper time, you give him the proper leeway to be able to do what he needs to do and build this thing the right way over time, I think in a few years we're going to look back at this off-season and say that was a good one for the Texans."
Ryans, the former Texans second-round pick from Alabama, played with Houston from 2006-11. He later with the Philadelphia Eagles from 2012-15.
Ryans began coaching in 2017 as a defensive quality control coach for the San Francisco 49ers. He took over as the 49ers' defensive coordinator in 2019 and helped develop one of the NFL's best defensive units.
He was a part of Watt's final career game. The 49ers closed their regular season with a 38-13 victory over Watt and the Arizona Cardinals.
As Watt walked off the field for the last time, Ryans said it was a "special moment" to witness the fans at Levi's Stadium Salute his former teammate with a standing ovation.
"J.J. Watt is a man who represents everything I try to instill in the players that we want," Ryans said. "We know the player J.J. was. It was always important to him to be the best at what he did."
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