HOUSTON Texans general manager Nick Caserio appeared on The Pat McAfee Show, giving a behind-the-scenes look at their recent resurgence.
After three losing seasons led by four head coaches, Caserio’s Texans combined shrewd free agency picks, an inspired draft class and a promising head coaching hire to rejuvenate their franchise in 2023.
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Coach DeMeco Ryans, a former Texans draft pick, subsequently led the team to a 10-7 record and its first AFC South title since 2019.
At the center of their success was a revamped roster, including veterans like Laremy Tunsil, Jonathan Greenard and Jimmie Ward, as well as rookie stars CJ Stroud, Will Anderson and Tank Dell.
In conversation with McAfee, Caserio laid out his two main rules when it comes to what he demands of his players.
“We don’t have many team rules,” he admitted.
“One is to protect the team. And number two is don’t have energy vampires.
“You just have to go in, have the right mentality, have the right attitude, be consistent day to day with your performance.
“The coaches will give the best they have and in return all we expect is the players to give their best.”
“No energy vampires” is a phrase Ryans has used since his days coaching the San Francisco 49ers.
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At a press conference in 2022, then-defensive coordinator Ryans explained that, to him, an “energy vampire” was someone “who sucks the energy out of the room.”
“Someone who comes in is depressed, depressed, just negative energy, not enjoying each day.”
Throughout his tenure in Houston, Caserio has consistently emphasized his desire to bring in people who work hard, are determined and prioritize football.
One player who exemplifies this is reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year Anderson.
In a recent press conference, the former third overall pick admitted that the Texans require a certain attitude and that it’s not for everyone.
“The Texans aren’t for everyone, man, it’s a different type of DNA you have to have to play here,” he said.
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“It’s a different kind of character you have to have. And you just have to love football.”
Houston now enters the 2024 preseason as one of the favorites to compete for the AFC title, given its recent success and subsequent roster additions.
Caserio and Co. signed four-time Pro Bowler Stefon Diggs in a trade with the Buffalo Bills in April.
Former Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon was also acquired via trade with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Pat McAfee’s Playing Days
PAT McAfee had a hugely successful period before switching to a career in media.
The talk show star served as a punter in the NFL for eight seasons from 2009 to 2016.
He was a seventh-round pick in the 2009 NFL Draft out of West Virginia and spent his entire career with the Indianapolis Colts.
The former punter was named to the Pro Bowl in 2014 and 2016, and was also a first-team All-Pro in 2014.
On defense, four-time Pro Bowl defensive back Danielle Hunter signed a two-year contract, joining veteran Denico Autry up front.
Among their draft additions was Georgia cornerback Kamari Lassiter, who projects as a potential replacement for former starter Steven Nelson.
While tight end Cade Stover, who Caserio called “one of our favorite football players in the entire draft,” was selected in the fourth round, reuniting him with his teammate Stroud.
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This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
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