'Numbers Don't Matter:' Texans Will Anderson Jr. Not Concerned With Jersey Assignment
HOUSTON — Kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn and quarterback C.J. Stroud had everyone on pins and needles on Thursday. The Houston Texans were releasing the jersey numbers of the 2023 rookie class, and the general public was interested in whether or not Stroud would receive No. 7.
The Ohio State prospect received his jersey number from Fairbairn. But rookie Will Anderson Jr.'s No. 51 became a bigger story.
Due to running back Dameon Pierce, Anderson could not wear No. 31. But for the rookie EDGE rusher from Alabama, Anderson's current jersey number showcased during mini-camp was not a big deal.
"It's just the number they gave me right now for rookie minicamp," Anderson said. "I mean, just being at Alabama and them giving me the No. 31, my coach told me just make a name out of it. So if 51 decides to stay here, I'm going to do my best to make a name and just be me. Numbers really don't matter to me."
Whether Anderson keeps his jersey number or not, his main focus is to help the Texans return to relevance after three consecutive years of inadequate football.
The Texans have won 11 games since 2020. And Anderson believes the start of rookie mini-camp will be the building block to a successful 2023 campaign.
"Right now just focusing on trying to get better every day," Anderson said. "When that time comes I think we'll focus more on that. Right now we are trying to keep building that team chemistry, making sure everybody knows what they're doing and we're uplifting each other and having a good time doing what we love to do."
You can follow Coty M. Davis on Twitter at @CotyDavis_24
Want the latest in breaking and insider news for the Houston Texans? Click Here
Follow Texans Daily on Twitter and Facebook
Make sure to subscribe to our daily podcast @LockedOnTexans today! Click here To Listen.
Want even more Houston Texans news? Check out the SI.com team page here.
