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The Blonde Side t-shirts in Chicago

CHICAGO — Being at Soldier Field on Veteran’s Day. Let that sink in for a minute.

Regardless of the outcome of the game between the Houston Texans and the Chicago Bears on Sunday night, all 62,410 fans in attendance, whether wearing navy and red or navy and orange, cheered for the country’s servicemen and women. Walking into the stadium, on all sides, fans were met with a simple but powerful message and reminder:

SOLIDER FIELD 

Dedicated To The Men And Women Of The Armed Services

Flying out of Houston Hobby Friday morning, the airport was packed with enthusiastic Texans fans. If there’s one thing for sure about this Houston Texans team, fans travel well. And the team is good. Really good.

If there’s one thing for sure about this Houston Texans team, fans travel well. And the team is good. Really good.

Barret and Desiree Ortega were sporting their custom-made Texans T-shirts. The front read: “Howdy. ‘Chicago Blows’” with a Texans logo in place of the “o”.

The back read: “Dang auto correct – ‘Windy City.’”

The duo agreed it was a mutual creative idea; Desiree made the shirts, but Barret came up with the quote.

“We go to an away game every year but this one has to do with Veteran’s Day. He’s [Barret] in the Marine Corp and Solider Field has got to be one of the coolest places to spend this special day. Being from Houston, we wanted to go where it’s cold and we’ve been season tickets holders since Day one,” Desiree said holding her husband’s hand.

“Make sure you tell people we’re here proudly representing the Yellow Lot,” Barret added, referring to a popular tailgating spot near Reliant Stadium.

Barret and Desiree Ortega show off their sweatshirts before heading to Chicago

Barret and Desiree Ortega show off their sweatshirts before heading to Chicago

Mass appeal

Based on my trip to Denver back in September, I knew that Texans fans travel in masses. Eight home games clearly isn’t enough for some fans and while the team takes their show on the road, fans tag along for the fun. And the bragging rights being in the midst of all the gridiron action.

I began to wonder – are all these Texans fans BFFs (and why wasn’t I cordially invited?) or is there some underground fandom even I’m not aware of? And then I ran across a Facebook post from the ever-so-awesome Stephanie Stradley and the pieces started to fit together.

Stradley is a fan blogger (she goes by TexansChick) and at least for this Chicago game, drafted an “unofficial” Texans itinerary for the thousands venturing into the Windy City. To ensure the “travel in packs” mentality was in full effect all weekend, Stradley, with the help of some serious fans, itemized a traveling fans dream checklist.

To ensure the “travel in packs” mentality was in full effect all weekend, Stradley, with the help of some serious fans, itemized a traveling fans dream checklist.

She fully detailed what color to wear to the game (Battle Red), what bars fans would be at on Saturday night (including drink specials a link to the bar and address), where to meet if you want to partake in the group picture, and a simple yet friendly reminder that “the line between enthusiasm and obnoxious can be very thin.”

Her goal was to make sure Texans fans showed up strong and, more importantly, had a great time and respected the Bears fans in their house.

Texans fans at Soldier Field

Texans fans at Soldier Field

Thanks to unrivaled tailgating and bloggers like Stradley, Texans fans have been bonding over beers and tough seasons for a full decade. Now, they finally have something to cheer about. The teams have only met two times prior to this season, so it was a no-brainer that Chicago would be a big game. A primetime battle of two talked about defenses, a great city and an even greater team – one finally worth traveling for.

I ran into Mike Stephens at the Pony sports bar Saturday for a huge A&M watch party. Mike flew into town with seven of his friends for Sunday’s big game.

“I am here with friends that I’ve known for 30 years, and because this will be the best game of the year. Two 7-1 teams. Outstanding. Great football, great friends, great city,” he said.

Too cool 

Inside Soldier Field, the crowds were loud and bundled up. With pouring rain and temperatures in the 40’s, most Texans fans were covered head-to-toe in warm gear, a poncho (or trash bag) and multiple Texans branded apparel items. But there was one Texan who wasn’t afraid to show a little skin. In the first quarter, a Southern little blonde sporting a Texans midriff and unseasonably tan skin, flexed her muscles for the Jumbotron, getting fans riled up.

Just before heading into the raining tailgating festivities, I ran into Monica Rojas, another Houston fan. “Watt Ya Know About Them H-Town Peeps?” she kept saying to all the opposing fans, including the ESPN radio guys broadcasting live inside Jimmy Greens.

“Can’t wait to get home to Houston and thaw out. My draws are frozen and my fingers and toes are numb, but winning in Chicago’s house and celebrating with my fellow Texans fans was the greatest. 8-1! #bullsonparade.”

“We’re here trying to show Chicago how us Texans fans roll. We have family that lives here but we love and support our Texans – home and away. We are predicting the Texans are 8-1 after tonight baby!” Rojas said.

And she was right. Both teams entered Sunday nights’ game, the one many referred to as a preview for Super Bowl XLVII, at 7-1, but only one team left 8-1. The Texans, still the team to beat across the league, continue to be undefeated against Brian Urlacher and the Chicago Bears (with an all-time record of 3-0).

Looking at the front row of the lower bowl, I’m a TEXAN, WE ARE TEXANS, and other Texan-logo flags were strategically placed for all the viewers at home to see. Texans are proud.

A Texans fan on a mission, Patrick Reyes marks Chicago as just another stop on the away schedule.

“The game was ugly but I don’t think I could have had a more appropriate Chicago experience. The weather, the fans and a defensive battle. Great win for our Texans. As long as we win, I don’t care how we play. Next stop for me, New England on December 10th,” said Reyes who plans to utilize Stradley’s helpful tips along each stop.

Another avid fan and season ticket holder, Justin Capetillo, managed to type out a Facebook message even with frozen fingers after the big win. “Can’t wait to get home to Houston and thaw out. My draws are frozen and my fingers and toes are numb, but winning in Chicago’s house and celebrating with my fellow Texans fans was the greatest. 8-1! #bullsonparade.”

Ty and Sharon Coburn are celebrating more than just a franchise record-setting team.

“We are here celebrating our anniversary and it’s funny because it’s the Texans 10-year anniversary and it’s also our 10-year anniversary. Last night’s win was priceless. The win just completed our amazing weekend. I was wet from head to toe and Ty kept telling me ‘hang in there darling’ – it’ll all be worth it. It was amazing. We were sitting around some really grouchy Bears fans, but we had a great time,” said Sharon Coburn.

“Last night’s victory validated who we are – we are THE team,” said Ty.

I’m sure every other Texans fan, whether in Chicago, Houston or elsewhere agrees with Ty’s sentiments.

This article was featured on Culture Map, Houston’s Daily Digital Magazine in the sport’s section.

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Texans Duane Brown in a Smart Car (Photo: Sunshine Winters Photography)

Duane Brown + Smart Cars

Texans Duane Brown in a Smart Car (Photo: Sunshine Winters Photography)

Texans Duane Brown in a Smart Car (Photo: Sunshine Winters Photography)

Can an NFL tackle fit in a smart car?

Standing at 6-foot-5 and a “light” 320 pounds, as he puts it, you wouldn’t think Houston Texans offensive lineman Duane Brown could fit inside a two-seat smart car sitting in the media parking lot at Texans training camp.

The smart fortwo model stretches 106 inches in width, but the 5-year NFL veteran was convinced he could fit inside.

Brown towers over the car, and if he were to lie down, he would make up 79 percent of the car’s length. But he insists he can fit inside — and do so comfortably.

To read the full article on Duane Brown’s Smart Car ride, visit ESPN Playbook.

Duane Brown in a Smart Car (Photo: Sunshine Winters Photography)

Duane Brown in a Smart Car (Photo: Sunshine Winters Photography)

Watch this Youtube video to see Duane Brown drive the smart car.

Be sure to follow Jayme from The Blonde Side on Twitter and Texans Duane Brown on Twitter.

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Texans Mock NFL Draft

Clearly was way off in my draft pick as the Texans picked Whitney Mercilus in the first round.

Thanks to the wonderful world wide web (read, mostly Twitter), I was asked to participate in a 2012 Mock NFL Draft with Alicia Jessop over at Ruling Sports. Living in Houston and being fairly tapped into the strengths and weaknesses of the Texans, Jessop asked The Blonde Side to give some thoughts on where the Texans would direct their first-round draft pick.

Below is my super long-winded (surprising, right?) answer to her simple question. Keep in mind, this was my first attempt at putting somewhat knowledgeable words into one of these. Usually I just slam a few drinks and throw out my completely biased opinions. This was really fun and I was in great company with some ridiculously smart NFL guys. Read the entire Mock Draft at Ruling Sports.

Writing my own sports column, The Blonde Side and being credentialed by the Houston Texans, one would think I’d be a bit more confident in predicting who I think the Texans will draft on Thursday, but truth be told, I’m more confident in my ability to put on eye liner with my left hand. After drinking a case of beer. Not to mention, the Texans are so far at the end of the draft (26th overall), it’s a crap-shoot.

While Texans fans don’t want to admit the solid Draft history of the franchise, the proof is in the pudding: selecting seven players who have gone on to participate in the Pro Bowl since 2002. Coming off a franchise best record (10-6), for the first time in history, the Texans don’t have any gaping holes screwing with their depth chart. From all I’ve heard and what my gut tells me, the Texans have to go for a WR – someone opposite Andre Johnson or to fill the gap if he (knock on wood) gets riddled with injuries again. The Texans haven’t drafted a WR since 2010, when they selected Dorin Dickerson from Pittsburgh in the 7th round. It’s time. And Texans fans and sports brainiacs will agree – A. Johnson is a beast, but his hamstring can’t do it alone.

After Johnson went out with his injury early last season, the Texans had to rely on a run game, thankfully carried by another Pro-Bowler Arian Foster. But if Shaub is healthy this season (or Yates comes back like a wild man), he’s got to have someone else to throw to. The NFL is all about options. Outside of Texas, the offense players names are virtually obsolete – no one knows many of the other guys on the roster.

When we talk WR’s in this year’s draft, there seem to be two names filling up the world wide web: Stephen Hill, the 6’4″ 215lb rockstar from Georgia Tech and Kendall Wright, the 5’11” 190lb almost hometown boy from Baylor. Although small, Wright is my choice, after listening to Joe Fortenbaugh’s reasoning and it’s true – he can stretch the defense across the field like nobody’s business which is exactly what Houston needs to take that franchise best record even further. If the Texans are trying to find an AJ clone, then Hill is your clear choice as they are much more compatible in the size department, but the speed of Wright shant be underestimated. I guess it’ll all boil down to what picks are left come the Texans turn, but I stay strong with my WR pick for the Texans first round pick.

And if you’re still as fairly clueless as I am on who the Texans will draft, here’s what General Manager/Executive Vice President, Rick Smith had to say at Tuesdays Pre-Draft Press Conference (which clearly still doesn’t shed any light on the draft situation), “I think if you look across our football team, the first thing I think you would think about, on the offensive line, losing a couple starters, via free agency in one case and then a determination in another case. But we’ve got to look at the offensive line group. I’ve said at the Combine earlier that I think we can probably help ourselves at the wide receiver position with maybe adding some youth and adding some speed there. And then depth in the linebacker corps. You can always add pass rushers. You can always add corners, I’ve always said that. We’ll do what we always do. We’ll stay true to our board. We’ve assessed a value that we think these players have at their particular positions and the way that it falls is the way that we’ll pick them.”hink if you look across our football team, the first thing I think you would think about, on the offensive line, losing a couple starters, via free agency in one case and then a determination in another case. But we’ve got to look at the offensive line group. I’ve said at the Combine earlier that I think we can probably help ourselves at the wide receiver position with maybe adding some youth and adding some speed there. And then depth in the linebacker corps. You can always add pass rushers. You can always add corners, I’ve always said that. We’ll do what we always do. We’ll stay true to our board. We’ve assessed a value that we think these players have at their particular positions and the way that it falls is the way that we’ll pick them.”

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What Do NFL Players Do On Draft Night? Go Bowling!

Travis Johnson & Kailee Wong pose with Houston Texans Cheerleaders (Marissa & Larissa) (Photo: MD Turner Photography)

While most NFL fans and players were glued to their HD televisions for the draft Thursday night, there were a select few more concerned with supporting a local cause: Travis Johnson, defensive end drafted by the Texans in 2005, and his Travis Johnson Foundation, which provides grants for rehabilitation for children suffering strokes and other major illnesses, as his four-year-old daughter did.

Among the players in attendance: Andre Johnson (Texans), Johnathan Joseph (Texans), Greg Jones (Jacksonville Jaguars), Dunta Robinson (Atlanta Falcons) and Tina Thompson (the WNBA Seattle Storm) just to name a few. The only game these big names were worried about was who could walk away with bragging rights as the best bowler.

The sports-studded evening at 300 Houston Bowling Lounge off Bunker Hill was filled with smack talking, high fives, jokes — and, more importantly, lots of donations.

At the beginning of the event, founder and former Texan (now free agent) Travis Johnson told the story of his daughter Zoe and their firsthand account as she suffered two strokes, which caused paralysis in the left side of her body. He recognizes and is thankful that his family was able to provide her with the best care during this trying ordeal, but realizes others may not have the means.

“We were fortunate, but not everyone’s fortunate in this kind of situation. The goal of the Travis Johnson Foundation is to let them be kids again,” he said before thanking his former teammates for joining him at his event.

Chris Hope (Tennessee Titans Strong Safety and Florida State guy), Andre Johnson & Travis Johnson strike a pose. (Photo: MD Turner Photography)

Even a few of his former Florida State teammates flew in just to show their support for the big night.

It was a big night in more ways than one. It also happened to be Travis Johnson’s 30th birthday where his wife surprised him with a 3-0 red velvet and vanilla cake. Let me be the first to say this may be a group of extraordinary charitable athletes, but they cannot carry a tune. I’ve never before laughed and cringed at the singing of “Happy Birthday,” but I knew it came from a good place.

The First Annual ‘Strike Out Strokes’ Celebrity Bowling Tournament was presented by Momentum Porsche Jaguar Land Rover, where guests were either personally invited or donated to to cause to attend.

The only lull in the competitive bowling or “thank you for all you do” talk was around 9:30 p.m. when the four TVs in the private bowling room showed NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell set to announce the Texans’ first-round pick in the draft (26th overall). The sound came on and the crowd got quiet as Goodell announced the Texans pick of linebacker Whitney Mercilus (marking the fourth straight year the Texans have drafted a defensive player in the first round of the draft).

Shortly after the pick, the crowd returned their focus to more important things: The fierce bowling tournament to raise funds to provide assistance to families in need of financial support for children who have suffered major illnesses and are in need of rehabilitation or therapeutic services.

Tina Thompson, WNBA Player for Seattle Storm bowls (Photo: MD Turner Photography)

“The funds raised through this event will provide a better quality of life for children who have suffered a major illness or trauma and need rehabilitation services.  I know firsthand how this affects families.  It’s important for them to know there are people out there who care, that I care,” Travis Johnson said.

This article was featured on Culture Map, Houston’s Daily Digital Magazine in the sport’s section.

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Texans Cheerleaders Have Playoffs Too

Photo courtesy of Mike Oropeza/Picasa

For the first time in franchise history, the Houston Texans are in the playoffs, set to play the Cincinnati Bengals Saturday afternoon at Reliant Stadium. Duh. You’ve disconnected yourself from every Internet-related device, television, radio andhuman being in H-Town if you’ve missed that fun little tidbit of info.

While much of the focus has been on rookie quarterback T.J. Yates‘ banged up shoulder, guard Mike Brisiel’s return to the starting lineup after surgery, defensive coordinator Wade Phillip’s energy levels after his surgery, the tenacity of the Texans defense (which ranks second in the NFL), and what these guys are doing to prepare for the big game, little (or actually no) attention has been paid to the 30-plus women who parade around in sexy Texans gear pumping up the crowds each and every home game.

And since there’s no crowd, or game for that matter, more important in Texans history than this playoff game, I thought I’d swing by practice and see what these ladies are working on. Since Monday, the girls have been diligently learning all new routines.

While the cheerleaders typically do four routines a game and practice three times a week, they too are feeling the playoff pressure practicing every single day this week and learning five brand new routines, including a halftime dance choreographed to the tune of a live performance by Clay Walker.

I spoke with Amanda, the most seasoned girl on the team (in her fifth season) and asked what the contingency plan was if Clay changed the beat or got a little twangy in his lyrics. Is it business as usual?

“If he decides to throw in a ‘HEY HOUSTON’, we have to stay on our counts,” she says. “Our game plan is our game plan no matter what.”

As the girl with the most tenure on the team, Amanda knows all too well how rough past seasons have been.

“It’s a really nice change of pace going out into the community and hearing fans positive feedback with a winning record,” she says. “Everyone has been so supportive this season which makes our job a lot easier.”

Nicole (or Rihanna as some call her), a second-year veteran, explained the cheerleaders’ grueling long hours.

“We’ve been practicing each night from about 6:30-midnight learning all the new dances, but it’s worth it. I’m super excited — not only because it’s a playoff game, but we are making history as the first Texans cheerleading squad to make the playoffs,” she says.

And it isn’t just the cheerleaders that are making history — 39 of the Texan players will be making their first ever playoff appearance. More stuff to cheer for.

Reporters asked Gary Kubiak if he was putting in 10 to 12 hours each day leading up to the game. “At least that,” Kubiak responded. These girls are putting in almost the same kind of hours.

Moe (short for Morgan), another second-year vet, detailed how hectic this week has been. As a physician’s liaison, she works her usual 8 to 5 job and then heads directly to the bubble for at least six hours of practice.

“It makes for a very long day, but with a four-minute pre-game dance and a five-minute halftime show ahead of us, we’ve got our work cut out,” she says.

Moe is not only a proud member of the squad, she’s also the lone Texans cheerleader headed to the Pro Bowl in Hawaii at the end of January to represent as one of 27 cheerleaders voted by their peers to attend.

I asked head cheerleader coach, Alto Gary, who has been coach since day one (“Day one, 2011” as she likes to say), why they were busting their humps to learn all new routines in such a short timespan.

“It’s the playoffs, a new beginning. This is our first time making the playoffs, and I wanted to make it special for the team and the fans,” Gary says. “Since we were going from back-to-back games with a quick turnaround, I did give the girls a head start and sent two of the dances to them online.”

I guess there are more uses for technology than I once thought.

Aside from getting to be part of history, I wondered if the girls got any additional incentives for playoff games like the players did.

“Well, it may not seem like much, but they did get the chance to purchase playoff tickets in advance, which for many teams is rare,” Gary says. “And, they get cool playoff shirts they didn’t have to stand in line for,” she laughs as she showcases the shirts with “Texans Playoffs” written in bedazzled letters in both a red and navy varieties.

Without stating the blatantly obvious, Houston has a lot to celebrate. Since the last playoff game in Houston (which took place on January 16, 1994 when the Kansas City Chiefs beat the Houston Oilers in the Astrodome in front of 64,011 fans), a lot has happened in the world of football:

190 playoff games played

20 NFL stadiums built (including Reliant Stadium)

12 different Super Bowl winners

Four new teams joined the NFL (including the Texans)

Three teams moved to a new city

Back then, the number 1 song was “I Will Do Anything For Love (But I Won’t Do That)” by Meatloaf, President Barack Obama was an associate at a Chicago law firm, gas prices averaged $1 a gallon, and defensive end J.J. Watt was only 4-years-old.

A lot has changed. Here’s hoping for many more playoff games to come, whether or not they are hosted right here in Houston.

I think we’d all be OK with an upcoming game in Indianapolis, yes?

This article was featured on Culture Map, Houston’s Daily Digital Magazine in the sport’s section.

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Playoffs, Diamonds and Dogpiles. And Smart Cars Too.

Kids, Playoffs, Diamonds and Dogpiles. Oh, And Smart Cars Too. 

The Duane Brown Almost-Tell-All Interview

I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Texans Offensive Tackle Duane Brown a number of times over the course of the year. The first time we met, he confessed he was a pretty “boring and average guy” and that he may not make the best interview subject. After posting a simple question on Twitter and Facebook asking fans what they’d ask if they could ask anything from an NFL OT, I figured the best way to handle this interview was a smorgasbord of unrelated questions resulting in the most unflowing, yet highly informative and comprehensive interview of a pro athlete you’ve ever seen, so here goes…

In the middle of my first question, his phone rings and politely asks if he can take the call. A few minutes later I hear, “thanks coach, that’s awesome, thanks!” and hangs up.

JL: Good news I presume?

D. Brown: (smiling) Yeah. Kubiak just told me I made it as an alternate to the Pro Bowl.

JL: That’s awesome buddy, congrats. Does that mean you get to go to Hawaii?

D. Brown: I guess if someone gets injured, yeah. But I plan to be getting ready for the Super Bowl, so I’m not worried about it.

Diamonds

Around Thanksgiving, Duane got engaged to his beautiful long distance girlfriend, Devon. For a big guy, he sure can be sneaky. They met up in LA for a little R&R and Duane said he had to fly to Dallas a day early. He planned a nice dinner for her, said his goodbye and then headed to a friend’s house to keep the surprise intact. The next day he surprised her at dinner, where many of her friends and family were, and pulled out a stunning diamond ring. Like most women, Devon had hinted around at the perfect ring she wanted to lay claim on her left hand for the rest of her life. Duane took those ideas and showed a handful of rings to her best friends. “They helped me choose the perfect one,” he said. The couple means business too – they’ve already set a date for July 13, 2012. As for kids, “Yeah – we’re taking our time with it. She has a lot going on with her career and I respect that,” Brown says.

JL: Long distance sucks, huh?

D. Brown: Yeah, but we get to see each other pretty often. I just flew up to NY and saw her for Christmas and she comes to almost all my home games.

JL: What was the best gift you got this Christmas? Was it those black and red Jordans you’re wearing?

D. Brown: People are going crazy over those shoes, right? All those fights – that’s crazy man. My girl got me a digital picture frame – that was probably my favorite gift.

The Blind Side

The main (and pretty much only) job of an OT is to protect the quarterback. In just 15 games this season, Brown has already had to protect three different QBs – Schaub who throws right, Leinart who throws left, and now Yates who is also a righty. Just as the movie indicates, there is such thing as a Blind Side, which when a right-handed QB is in, is Brown’s position as he plays left tackle. When a righty drops back in the pocket, he can’t see what’s coming from his left – he’s not as quick to move away from a defensive tackle or defensive end because he can’t see them. A few people asked if the change in QB throwing arms creates a change in play for Duane. “I don’t have to change my technique at all, our offensive scheme changes a bit, but my first priority is always to protect to the QB regardless of his throwing arm,” he says.

Since I write a sport’s column titled, The Blonde Side, I figured I’d ask about the 2009 movie starring Michael Oher.

JL: Do people understand your position better since the movie, The Blind Side came out?

D. Brown: I run across a lot of people that have zero idea about football and say I play left tackle. They always ask what that is and I reference the movie. They seem to get it after that.

JL: What about Michael Oher?

D. Brown: He’s a great player, great guy as well. I got a chance to meet him his rookie year.

Dogpiles and Clothes

Probably one of the best questions someone asked on Facebook was what really goes on in a dogpile? When I asked Duane, he laughed. “A lot of profanity, pushing, shoving, punching, kicking, more punching – anything to get the ball. It’s pretty violent down there,” he confessed. “Really, anything goes, but the refs do a good job to regulate as soon as possible. You gotta always pay attention.”

JL: You do seem to be at the bottom of a number of pile-ups.

D. Brown: I always try to be around the ball carrier to protect him and the ball. My first priority is to get the ball if a defensive guy knocks it out, but secondly, I gotta protect my teammates.

JL: I would assume as the biggest guy on the team, you are the one most of the littler guys look to for protection?

D. Brown: I think I’m the biggest…yeah, as far as weight, for sure. Eric (Winston) is taller than me, but I still weigh more.

JL: Speaking of your size, you’re 6-4, 320lbs, right?

D. Brown: Well I’ve lost a few pounds. I’m about 314 right now.

JL: Is it hard to find clothes?

D. Brown: (laughing) Yeah, it’s very hard to go shopping. I get a few things at Destination XL off Westheimer, but most of my stuff I buy online (like elevee).

Hokie Pride

As I’ve told Duane a number of times, I am not a Hokie fan. I grew up in Virginia, but something about those VT Hokies just drives me crazy. In response to my tweet, another of Duane’s fans asked what it was like coming out to “Enter The Sandman” at Lane Stadium. “It’s the most amazing feeling in the world – I’ve never felt an energy like that. The atmosphere in that stadium, the fans, the music – it’s second to none,” he reminisces. “Everytime I hear that song, I get goosebumps,” he continued.

JL: Do you think Devon will let you rock that song at your wedding?

D. Brown: (laughing) Nah, she won’t have that.

JL: How do you feel about the upcoming Sugar Bowl?

D. Brown: I’m proud of them to still make it to a BCS Bowl Game. It’ll be a pretty good one against Michigan. I think it’ll be a high scoring game; hopefully we can pull it off.

O-Line Success

It’s no secret that every year the Texans offensive line seems to get better and better. Someone wanted to know how much time these guys spend together during the season and the offseason because their cohesion just seems to work. “We all try to improve individually, but as a group, we are the most tight knit unit on the team. For the most part we’ve all been together the past three years. We have a feeling for what the guy next door is going to do so we don’t have to communicate a lot,” Duane explains.

JL: Who’s the hardest Defensive End you’ve had to block?

D. Brown: Dwight Freeney. He’s a sure 1st ballot Hall of Famer. I have to face him twice a year. I haven’t given up any sacks against him this year – I think I’ve finally figured out a game plan against him, but he’s tough.

JL: There’s been a lot of talk about the absence of Mike Brisiel…

D. Brown: It’s tough without him; I’ll give you that. It’s unfortunate that he got hurt (fractured fibula), but Antoine Caldwell has done a good job stepping up. Luckily he’s taken a lot of reps during practice and we really haven’t missed a beat. But Mike should be back for the playoffs.

Speaking of the Playoffs…

“I’m excited, man. This is unchartered territory for our organization and for me personally,” he said.

JL: Are you nervous?

D. Brown: Not too nervous. I’ve heard it’s a different speed in the playoffs. I’m more excited than anything.

JL: Your ideal Super Bowl matchup?

D. Brown: Well Houston obviously. I’ll go with Houston vs. New Orleans. Even though the Packers are doing great, the Saints beat us earlier this year (33-40 in Week 3) and now I’d like to return the favor. They also bring a lot of great fans to the game and that just ups the intensity.

New Year’s Resolutions

It’s that time when everyone, even athletes, create a laundry list of things they want to do better in the New Year. Just a few days away from that ominous day on the calendar, I asked Duane what his resolutions were. “I used to be big on New Year’s Resolutions, but why wait until January 1st to change something. There’s no better time than the present,” he says.

JL: That seems to fit you. Anything you’re currently working on at doing better?

D. Brown: Trying to read more. I get bored easily and I’m trying to break out of the video game habit. I’m currently reading Art of War.

Running and Smart Cars

As I’m currently training for the Houston Half Marathon next month, I couldn’t help but wonder how far the big man himself could run.

JL: Could you run a mile without stopping?

D. Brown: I could do a mile, yeah. It wouldn’t be pretty, but I could do it.

JL: What about a 5k?

D. Brown: A what?

JL: A 5k. That’s 3.1 miles.

D. Brown: Nah, not a shot in hell.

JL: I know I keep harping on your size, but you are the largest man I’ve ever see. It’s so fascinating to me. Think you could fit in a smart car?

D. Brown: (laughing) Yeah, I actually have. Danny Clark (former Texans Linebacker) used to have one and I could fit in there. It’s not comfortable though. It was a convertible too so I think that might have made it easier.

JL: I’d give money to see you in a smart car. If I could find a dealership and a photographer to make this happen, you game?

D. Brown: Sure.

Hear that Houston Smart Car dealerships? Call me – let’s make this happen.

This article was featured on Culture Map, Houston’s Daily Digital Magazine in the sport’s section.

This was also part of The Blonde Side’s 30 Before 30 series.

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