Texans WATCH: Houston Rookies Can Play, But Can They Paint?
Ahead of the Houston Texans' third week of OTA's, all eyes are on the team's newest members.
Quarterback C.J. Stroud and defensive end Will Anderson Jr. have quickly stepped into leadership roles, while other rookies like wide receiver Tank Dell and linebacker Henry To'oTo'o have begun to learn the ropes, benefitting from the same kind of pro experience with less pressure.
Regardless of the rookies' situations, however, coach DeMeco Ryans and his staff have made it clear that they expect to bring success to Houston by utilizing both rookies and veterans — a sentiment that was preached from Day 1.
"I have been around the game of football my entire life and I've always had a natural ability to lead others," Ryans said upon being hired by the Texans. "I know what it takes to win and be successful in this league as both a player and coach. We're going to build a program filled with players who have a special work ethic and relentless mindset."
There is a long road ahead for Ryans and company, but the players can already feel the change in energy surrounding their organization.
And one reason for it? There is time for the players to bond outside of football practices, switching out their helmets and pads for paintbrushes and berets.
Stroud, Anderson Jr. and Dell all attempted to paint the Texans' primary logo, complete with horns and a star eye — though it may not have looked like it.
Each player was given three minutes to paint their interpretation of Toro's 2D head while mic'd up and under a camera. After they were done, they got to compare their drawing with the actual logo, which made for a comical reveal.
"I'd love to see an artist play football," Stroud said. "Strap them up with some pads, send them out there on a Monday night and let them figure it out ... kind of like I [just] did."
Dell's painting came the closest to the real logo, but while the Texans' rookies may not be destined artists, they are certainly ready to hit the field in the fall.
And if their off-field chemistry is as good as it is on the field, Houston will likely be looking at a much different kind of season during Ryans' first year, which is a good thing.
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