HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Houston Texans fans eagerly gathered before sunrise on Tuesday for their first opportunity to attend the team’s training camp.
Head coach DeMeco Ryans and his players felt the surge of energy on the first day of full-pad practice.
“When you come across the bridge and see all the fans out and their excitement for our guys, it really fires everyone up,” Ryans said.
Texans wide receiver legend Andre Johnson also attended the practice. Johnson will be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, on Aug. 3.
The Texans conducted a brisk practice lasting about an hour and a half. Ryans emphasized a measured buildup to the long season ahead, including planned rest days for players like Nico Collins and John Metchie.
“We still practice in a safe manner and make sure we’re keeping everyone up,” Ryans noted. “For the most part, we did that (Tuesday).”
Eyewitness Sports highlighted two standout players on the field: cornerback Kamari Lassiter and running back Dameon Pierce.
Lassiter, a second-round pick from Georgia, impressed veteran teammates with his talent and work ethic, though he acknowledged he has a “long way to go.”
“You have to prove and earn the respect of your teammates and coaches,” Lassiter told.
After a challenging 2023 season, Pierce focused on improving both his physique and mindset.
“I learned a lot from my lows last year,” Pierce said, displaying his renewed energy at practice. “The more I can be myself, the better it looks on tape.”
The three-year veteran added that “the sky is the limit” if the Texans’ offense can develop a consistent rushing attack to complement C.J. Stroud and the talented wide receivers.
