Sports News and Trade Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

Texans' Barwin tackles NFL after conquering deafness

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July 1

Houston Chronicle

"Connor Barwin had no idea what his mother was doing when she had him face the wall before she walked away. The talkative, 18-month-old simply stood there waiting. Just a few feet behind him, his mother started calling his name. Connor didn't flinch. No matter how loud she spoke, Connor just stared at the wall. His parents, Margaret Bailey and Tom Barwin, were shocked. Their youngest of four sons was deaf. Doctors told them Connor's right ear was easily correctable with minor surgery and tubes. His left ear was a different story. He had a benign tumor wrapped like a vine around the inside of his ear. It would have to be removed piece by piece over the course of several surgeries, and ..."

Texans' Barwin tackles NFL after conquering deafness

Comment

July 1

Houston Chronicle

"Connor Barwin had no idea what his mother was doing when she had him face the wall before she walked away. The talkative, 18-month-old simply stood there waiting. Just a few feet behind him, his mother started calling his name. Connor didn't flinch. No matter how loud she spoke, Connor just stared at the wall. His parents, Margaret Bailey and Tom Barwin, were shocked. Their youngest of four sons was deaf. Doctors told them Connor's right ear was easily correctable with minor surgery and tubes. His left ear was a different story. He had a benign tumor wrapped like a vine around the inside of his ear. It would have to be removed piece by piece over the course of several surgeries, and ..."

Norris personifies NFL workhorse

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June 20

Houston Chronicle

columnist Jerome Solomon

"Takeo Spikes remembers the first time he met Moran Norris. Spikes and the Buffalo Bills were preparing to play the Texans, and Norris, then Houston's starting fullback, continued to catch his eye on the videotapes. Norris looked so much like the toughest guy on the Texans' offense that Spikes, the toughest guy on the Bills' defense, bragged to his teammates that Norris would be in trouble come Sunday. The two had never met, but Spikes geared himself up for a nasty encounter. "He (ticked) me off just watching him on film," Spikes said. "Tough guy. I had a bounty out on him. I wanted to do him." That Sunday afternoon, the two met on the football field. And they met. And met. And met. Over ..."

Kubiak likes what he sees — his best team yet

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June 19

Houston Chronicle

"The five-week period in which Texans coaches can work with players on the practice field ended Wednesday with the last day of minicamp. Owner Bob McNair, general manager Rick Smith and coach Gary Kubiak left the Methodist Training Center knowing they have more talent than at any time in the team's eight-year history. They also know fans have playoffs-or-bust expectations. "The playoffs are why I came here," Kubiak said. "It's why I do what I do. "We have high expectations. We're a better team than any time since I've been here. We're not going to be satisfied with another (8-8 record). I want more, a lot more. The players do, too. "I'm looking forward to the journey because I like the guys ..."

Texans give kicker Brown a 4-year extension

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June 18

Houston Chronicle

"The Texans signed two players Wednesday — veteran kicker Kris Brown and rookie tight end Anthony Hill. Brown, one of two remaining original Texans along with guard Chester Pitts, has a new four-year contract extension. Brown, 32, signed a $10 million extension that includes $2.5 million in guaranteed money. "I think the world of him, not just as a player but as a man, also," coach Gary Kubiak said. "I have no doubts about Kris. I tell (quarterback) Matt (Schaub) that if you get us to the (opposing) 35, we've got three points." Last season, Brown converted 29-of-33 field goals. Hill, a Houston native who played at North Carolina State, signed a four-year deal worth $2,206,500. He was the ..."

RB makes up for lost time

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June 18

Houston Chronicle

"After missing the organized team activities because his class at Oregon had not graduated, free-agent running back Jeremiah Johnson used the three-day minicamp as a learning experience. By the time Johnson arrived in Houston, he had fallen behind Arian Foster, the other undrafted rookie who's trying to make the team. Johnson and Foster are competing with veterans Chris Brown and Ryan Moats for places on the team and playing time behind starter Steve Slaton. "I've been trying to catch up," Johnson said after the last day of minicamp Wednesday. "The first day I was out here, I was real far behind, but I gathered a lot of information. "I'm trying to learn everything I can. I'm trying to take ..."

Just minicamp, but it's never too early to impress

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June 18

Houston Chronicle

columnist Jerome Solomon

"It was not football. It was not even football practice. That's right —we're not even talking about practice. It was a minicamp. Pretty much a rookie camp. Veterans had the option of sitting out the Texans' three-day mandatory camp this week, and most chose to do just that. It's June. The next time (roughly six weeks from now) the Texans take to the practice fields, we will be talking about real practice. That's when we'll learn if Arian Foster, the good-looking football player, is a good football player. But in June, the rookie free agent from Tennessee, who is hoping to earn a spot as a reserve running back with the Texans, looks like a player. At 6-1, 225 pounds, Foster has the look of ..."

Texans reward kicker Brown with 4-year extension

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June 17

Houston Chronicle

"The Texans have signed kicker Kris Brown to a four-year, $10 million contract extension. Brown, who scored 124 points last season, will get $2.5 million guaranteed. Brown connected on 29 of 33 field goals last year and made all 37 of his extra-point kicks as the Texans finished 8-8 for the second consecutive year. Brown and guard Chester Pitts are the only remaining original Texans from the inaugural 2002 season."

Texans join forces with lottery

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June 17

Houston Chronicle

"The Texans officially announced their partnership with the Texas Lottery today. The Texans' $5 scratch-off game will begin around the same time as the upcoming football season and give fans the chance to instantly win up to $100,000. There also will be a second-chance drawing. Any non-winning tickets can be mailed to the Texas Lottery and put into a pool. Once each month, a certain number of tickets will be drawn from the mix. Those winners will receive Texans collectibles, like autographed jerseys or even a Texans VIP suite package. "It's a great opportunity for us to engage our fans, and it gives them a chance for access to prizes they can't get anywhere else," Texans president Jamey ..."

Texans offer only motivation Grossman needs

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June 17

Houston Chronicle

"When Texans coach Gary Kubiak called Rex Grossman, he explained the opportunity the quarterback would have to compete for a roster spot. He talked to him about the team being on the brink of taking another big step as a franchise. When Kubiak finished giving his recruiting speech, he asked Grossman what type of opportunity he was seeking. "Coach, that's all I'm looking for," Grossman said. "I just want to get back to work." Grossman wanted to be on the field again. It had been a long six months since the Chicago Bears' season ended. Teams had called the 28-year-old free agent, but five or six ended up signing someone else. The other two or three were waiting just a little longer before ..."

Scratch off before Texans kick off

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June 16

Houston Chronicle

"The Texans have officially partnered with the Texas Lottery. They signed their agreement this week, making them the first NFL team in the state with this type of partnership. The Dallas Cowboys are still finalizing an agreement of their own with the Texas Lottery. The Texans will have their own $5 scratch-off game, which will be available throughout Texas. It will begin around the start of the NFL season, but no exact date has been set. Fans will be able to win up to $100,000, and they can enter to win exclusive Texans prizes. This is the first year the NFL has allowed teams to have licensing agreements with their state-sponsored lotteries. The New England Patriots and Washington Redskins ..."

For Quin, life's a box of chocolates

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June 16

Houston Chronicle

"His life story will get better and better if he turns out to be as good as the Texans think. Check back in a couple of years when we'll have him outrunning jackrabbits and wrestling alligators. Where is John McClain with the first draft of that screenplay, anyway? Then again, the story is pretty good without exaggeration. Glover Freeman Quin Jr. is a native of Summit, Miss., (pop: 1,500), and a graduate of North Pike High School. He played linebacker and running back, and when he's kidded about the highlight tape he must have compiled at a small school, he smiles. "Running touchdowns, passing touchdowns, receiving touchdowns," he said. As for Summit, well, it was a nice play to grow up. ..."

Daniels remains a no-show at camp

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June 16

Houston Chronicle

"Despite signing his $2.792 million tender, Texans tight end Owen Daniels did not show up for the team's mandatory minicamp Monday. He remains unhappy with his current contract situation, and he is still waiting for a long-term deal to get negotiated. Daniels also skipped the final three organized team activities last week. "We're happy he elected to come in and sign his tender and be part of this football team again," Texans general manager Rick Smith said. "I'm a little disappointed he's not here today, but again, we talked about how it's a process and how complicated it is. At some point, I'm sure Owen will rejoin his teammates and be back and be a productive football player for us." ..."

Texans sign Daniels to one-year deal

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June 15

Houston Chronicle

"Pro Bowl tight end Owen Daniels has signed his one-year, $2.79 million tender with the Texans, but his agents, Alan Herman and David Butz, will continue negotiations on a multiyear contract they hope will make him one of the NFL's highest-paid players at his position. Daniels, a third-year restricted free agent who caught a career-high 70 passes for 862 yards last season, skipped the last week of organized team activities because he was unhappy that a new deal hasn't been reached. Those familiar with the negotiations said the Texans made a new offer last week that would rank Daniels, 26, second among the NFL's highest-paid tight ends. Figures were not available. The three most important ..."

Grossman passes physical, signs with Texans

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June 13

Houston Chronicle

"As expected, former Chicago Bears quarterback Rex Grossman passed his physical on Friday and signed a one-year contract with the Texans. Grossman, who will earn $620,000 this season, joins Matt Schaub, Dan Orlovsky and Alex Brink as quarterbacks on the roster. Grossman, who turns 29 in August, will take part in the three-day minicamp that begins Monday."

Ex-Bear QB Rex Grossman agrees to 1-year deal with Texans

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June 12

Chicago Tribune

"Looks like the guy with the gunslinger mentality will end up taking aim in Texas. Howdy, Rex. Former Bears quarterback Rex Grossman, whose penchant to attempt to make the big play was his biggest strength and weakness in Chicago, has agreed to a one-year contract with the Houston Texans worth the veteran's minimum $620,000. The Houston Chronicle first reported the story Thursday on its Web site after the Texans' OTA practice. Grossman did not return calls and was said to be unavailable until the Texans make the signing official as early as Friday, when the quarterback is scheduled to take a physical. Much to Grossman's surprise, few teams expressed interest in him during free agency. ..."

Texans turn down ad offer from adult video company

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June 12

Houston Chronicle

"Zero Tolerance, a Los Angeles-based adult video manufacturer, announced Wednesday it made a formal offer to the Texans to place its company logo on the team's practice jerseys. The Chronicle reported last week that the Texans were offering marketing opportunities to companies wanting their logo on the team's practice jerseys. The Texans have since declined Zero Tolerance's offer, but are open to listening to offers from other companies. "We were contacted from an unsolicited ad agency and upon discovering it was an adult entertainment company, we shut it down," said Tony Wyllie, Texans vice president of communications. "We will not consider, nor will we ever consider their offer."

Texans target Grossman

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June 12

Houston Chronicle

"If he passes his physical today, former Chicago Bears quarterback Rex Grossman will sign a one-year contract with the Texans. On Thursday, the last day of organized team activities, the Texans agreed to terms with Grossman on a one-year deal for the minimum $620,000 for a veteran with his experience. Grossman, who turns 29 in August, was drafted in the first round in 2003. Grossman will join Matt Schaub, Dan Orlovsky and Alex Brink as quarterbacks on the roster. Coach Gary Kubiak plans to keep three on the roster this season. If Schaub is sidelined because of injuries for the third consecutive season, Grossman will give the Texans an experienced backup behind Orlovsky, who signed as a free ..."

Texans to sign QB Grossman to one-year deal

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June 11

Houston Chronicle

"The Texans have agreed to a one-year contract with free agent quarterback Rex Grossman. If Grossman passes his physical on Friday as expected, he will give the Texans four quarterbacks entering next week's minicamp. Grossman, the Bears' No. 1 pick in 2003 will sign a one-year deal for the minimum $745,000. He will join starter Matt Schaub and backups Dan Orlovsky and Alex Brink as the four quarterbacks on the roster."

Johnson speaking softly

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June 11

Houston Chronicle

"Texans defensive tackle Travis Johnson didn't want to talk much Wednesday. At least, not about himself. He passed on discussing if he is worried about making the team. He passed on responding to recent comments by coach Gary Kubiak, who voiced his disappointment in Johnson's inability to stay on the field. Talking has sometimes gotten Johnson in trouble in the past, but he didn't let it this time. Instead, he praised the addition of new defensive line coach Bill Kollar and complimented the talent on the defensive line. "We have a lot of guys who want to work and a lot of guys who have played together for a while now," Johnson said. "I think it's going to be a big season for us, especially ..."

Daniels skips voluntary work

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June 10

Houston Chronicle

"Texans tight end Owen Daniels has become the second player to skip organized team activities this offseason because of a contract dispute with the franchise's front office. Daniels' agent, Alan Herman, said he and his client were told they would receive another offer over the weekend from the Texans. When no offer was made, Daniels decided to stop attending OTAs. Herman said he is unsure whether Daniels will participate in next week's minicamp or training camp. "When it became apparent no progress was going to be made, Owen took the position that he wouldn't volunteer his time anymore," Herman said. "It's the lack of progress that's led to all of this. "It has been a frustrating course of ..."

Ex-Texan Weary drops lawsuit over Houston arrest

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June 9

Houston Chronicle

"A former Houston Texans football player who was shocked with a Taser by HPD officers during a traffic stop dropped his federal civil rights lawsuit against the city on Monday, saying everything he wanted to accomplish has been done. Offensive lineman Fred Weary sued the city of Houston and the two Houston police officers in 2007 saying he was unlawfully stopped, shocked and arrested during a 2006 encounter with officers Margaret McGivern and Joe Vasquez. Weary also said his constitutional rights were violated by excessive force, malicious prosecution, assault and false imprisonment. Gary Siller, Weary's attorney, said a study about Taser use, called for by Mayor Bill White after the ..."

Texans agree to terms with sixth-round pick McCain

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June 9

Houston Chronicle

"Cornerback Brice McCain is the first of the Texans' eight draft picks to sign a contract. McCain, a sixth-round pick from Utah, has signed a four-year contract worth $1.8 million. The deal includes a signing bonus of $101,750. With cornerback Dunta Robinson missing the offseason program because of a contract dispute and Antwaun Molden recovering from foot surgery, McCain and fourth-round pick Glover Quin have been getting a lot of time on the practice field."

Okam putting in some extra work

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June 8

Houston Chronicle

"In 2004, his first season at Texas, Frank Okam made a splash by earning first-team freshman All-American honors. The defensive tackle's first season in the NFL, however, wasn't as heralded. "That first year, you're kind of thrown in the fire — you really don't know what's going on and your head's all over the place," Okam said. "But second year, you get to calm down and evaluate things that you didn't do in the past so you can become better." As a Longhorn, Okam established himself as a strong presence on the interior defensive line. The Texans drafted him in the fifth round of the 2008 NFL Draft, but he played in just five games as a rookie. Okam took Texans coach Gary Kubiak's advice and ..."

Brantly feeling right at home

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June 5

Houston Chronicle

"Now that Justin Brantly is finished punting for Texas A&M, the Sealy native has his sights set on a team even closer to where he grew up. "It would definitely be a huge thrill for me to play in Houston," Brantly said. "Having my friends and family right here in the backyard would really be a blessing." After going undrafted in April's NFL Draft, several teams contacted Brantly, but he had only one team in mind. The feeling was mutual. The Texans wanted to bring in an extra punter during the offseason so that veteran Matt Turk could rest, and they were surprised when Brantly wasn't selected in the draft. His 44.3 career punting average — second only to Shane Lechler in A&M history — helped ..."

Bennett shows leadership

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June 4

Houston Chronicle

"Rookie cornerback Glover Quin has welcomed the advice coming from Fred Bennett. In practice, Bennett will tell him a technique he should tweak or how a drill should be run. In meetings, Bennett will ask some of the rookies questions, and often praises them when they execute something well on the field. Now comfortable and more confident in the Texans' system, Bennett is working to spend some of his time helping those around him, similar to what Dunta Robinson did during Bennett's first two seasons. "I think I'm just a natural-born leader," Bennett said. "When I recognize talent and I think someone has the ability to be a great player, I just want to bring it out of them. I don't want to ..."

June's perspective rings true

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June 3

Houston Chronicle

"Cato June's jewelry sets him apart from other players battling for roster spots with the Texans. Safety Eugene Wilson is the only other Texans player with a Super Bowl ring, and June understands what that means in regard to his role on the team. "I've played in the big games, the games where it's all on the line. Every game scenario you can think of, I've been in it," the veteran linebacker said. "Winning in those situations and knowing what it takes gives me the ability to be an experienced leader on this team." June was selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the sixth round of the 2003 draft and played a role in their Super Bowl XLI victory over the Chicago Bears in 2007. He then signed ..."

Jersey can be a cash cow

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June 3

Houston Chronicle

"The Texans won't exactly be walking billboards come training camp, but the franchise is trying to sell sponsorship patches on its players' practice uniforms this summer. A new NFL rule allows teams to create such partnerships, which will be showcased on a patch, no larger than 3½-4½ inches, stitched into the left shoulder of the jerseys. "It's a rare opportunity for somebody to gain massive exposure for their brand and align so closely with the Texans persona," team president Jamey Rootes said. "To be able to do those two things looks like a great way to create value for our partners and create revenue for our franchise." Sales of such sponsorships could be a significant way for teams to ..."

66 the route that works for Robinson

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June 3

Houston Chronicle

columnist Jerome Solomon

"Even after we saw him make plays, impact plays even, last season, something about DelJuan Robinson just doesn't look right on the Texans' defensive line. At 6-3, 300-plus, he's one of the big boys, so it's not that. It's that number he wears: 66. Sixty-six? For a big, nasty interior defensive lineman? It looks weird, all right, but you are going to have a fight on your hands if you try to take that jersey away from Robinson. "I don't care what it looks like; I ain't changing it," Robinson said after Tuesday morning's workout. "I've had a couple of opportunities to get a number in the 90s, but I won't do it. "I didn't ask for it; they gave me the number. And they're going to have to take it ..."

He knows all about giant steps

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May 29

Houston Chronicle

"Perhaps the biggest reason Antonio Smith decided to sign with the Texans — other than a five-year, $35 million contract that included a $12.5 million signing bonus — was the similarities he saw between his new team and his former team, the Arizona Cardinals. Smith started at defensive end last year for Arizona, helping the Cardinals go from 8-8 in 2007 to Super Bowl runners-up last season. The Texans are coming off their second consecutive 8-8 season, and Smith foresees them playing well into January next year. "I've got that feeling," he said. "There's the right chemistry, and everybody is working together. It feels the exact same." Nice bookends Smith, 27, will start on the defensive ..."

Orlovsky's goal: Stay on the bench

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May 28

Houston Chronicle

"Dan Orlovsky says there will be no bigger fan of Matt Schaub than himself, insisting he wants the Texans' starting quarterback to play in 19 games — including the playoffs and Super Bowl — and take every snap. That would leave Orlovsky spending the season holding a clipboard during games, a role the veteran backup quarterback knows well. But in the likely event Schaub is forced to miss a game or two — or five like he has done in each of the previous two seasons — Orlovsky vows to be ready. "I learned quickly that the best thing for a quarterback, no matter if you're first, second or third, is stability," Orlovsky said. "I have complete confidence Matt is going to have a good year. That's ..."

Slaton seeking encore

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May 27

Houston Chronicle

columnist Jerome Solomon

"Steve Slaton's 2008 season wasn't just nice. It was very nice. So nice that it is understandable to look at his production and project greatness for the Texans' second-year tailback. Slaton, who led the AFC in yards from scrimmage as a rookie, should only get better, right? The NFL history book has pages and pages of players who were supposed to get better; supposed to be great. They are listed in the one-year wonders section. "That's what I'm trying to prevent," Slaton said. "(Sophomore slumps) happened to a lot of people and didn't happen to a lot of people. I'm just trying to be one of those people that it didn't happen to." How much better can Slaton be? "He's a young guy, and God ..."

Texans' hopeful lives up to name

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May 27

Houston Chronicle

"Texans fullback Boomer Grigsby knows how to entertain. He has a story about everything — from how he got his first name to why he shaved his mohawk in favor of his curls. The 2005 fifth-round pick of the Kansas City Chiefs is trying to do more than just talk these days, though. He is working to secure himself the backup job to Vonta Leach as organized team activities continue for the Texans. Grigsby became a fan favorite when he was featured on HBO's Hard Knocks in 2007, making the conversion from linebacker to fullback. He made the Chiefs' roster that season and then earned a starting job for Miami the next year. Grigsby, 5-11, 250, was cut after the Dolphins' season opener in 2008, ..."

Bulman's working his way up

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May 25

Houston Chronicle

"Each time the first team defense was called last week, Tim Bulman sprinted to right end as if he owned it. All week he worked at a job he knew belonged to someone else. It has always been that way. That has never slowed Bulman though. Nor has it discouraged him. He is as relentless in organized team activities as he is during regular-season games. It's a trait that often drives his teammates crazy. But that's why Bulman is here. Once an undrafted free agent out of Boston College, Bulman is now among the most respected players in the Texans' locker room and a reserve the coaches plan to lean on this season. "He is the epitome of hard work," said defensive coordinator Frank Bush, who also ..."

One vote for longer season

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May 22

Houston Chronicle

"Texans owner Bob McNair stood at midfield in his straw hat and familiarized himself with the team's new players. It was McNair's first appearance at organized team activities after spending the previous days in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., for the NFL's spring meetings. Practice wasn't nearly as eventful as what McNair has been dealing with as an owner lately. Talks continue to heat up about the NFL expanding the season to 17 or 18 games. Changes to the way the injured reserve is used may also be coming, and that's all in addition to the upcoming negotiations with the players' union. McNair favors the idea of expanding the season, but the owners are trying to sort out more details before holding ..."

Texans release former OU lineman Brandon Walker

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May 21

The Oklahoman

"Former Oklahoma offensive lineman Brandon Walker was released by the Houston Texans on Tuesday, two days after he was arrested by Norman police on charges of allegedly driving under the influence. Walker was also arrested the week before after a municipal warrant was issued when he failed to pay a citation for driving without proper registration or proof of insurance. Walker was a three-year starter at guard for the Sooners. He wasn't selected in the NFL Draft, but signed a rookie free-agent contract with the Texans last month.To replace Walker on their roster, the Texans signed former Harvard running back Clifton Dawson."

Embracing maturity

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May 21

Houston Chronicle

"Jacoby Jones could tell his mother was crying before he even approached her last month at Lane College's commencement in Jackson, Tenn. With a packed arena watching, Jones walked over to his mother and presented her with his diploma. The gesture signified the fulfillment of a promise Jones made to her two years ago when he was drafted by the Texans. "It was the most touching moment of my life," said Jones' mom, Emily London. "It was awesome. We know that when tomorrow comes, he needs to have a degree. That's why I pushed him to finish school. Because so many players do not go back to school. And as a first-generation college graduate in my family, I had to make that goal for my son to be ..."

Kubiak disappointed by Johnson's absence

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May 20

Houston Chronicle

"Injuries are already keeping Antonio Smith, Chester Pitts and Travis Johnson from participating in the start of organized team activities. Smith, the Texans' top free agent signing in the offseason, has been hampered by a hamstring injury for two weeks. He likely will return to the field before OTAs end. Pitts may miss the entire session of OTAs after having his elbows "cleaned out," said coach Gary Kubiak. Johnson's absence was the one Kubiak was the least specific about. Johnson has watched practice the past two days and then done some conditioning afterward. "Travis was doing fine throughout the offseason," Kubiak said. "Last week, he started on a few different things, so he's got to ..."

Texans' eyes are on Cushing

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May 20

Houston Chronicle

"After his second day of workouts with the Texans, rookie Brian Cushing walked off the field, listening as linebackers coach Johnny Holland talked. Advice and guidance are coming from all directions as Cushing receives a crash course on the Texans' new system. The Texans are not easing Cushing into the NFL. They want him to contribute early, evident by the fact he has spent his first two days on the job lining up with the first-team defense at strongside linebacker. The main priority over the next 3½ weeks of organized team activities is to have Cushing absorb the playbook. The quicker he can learn it, the quicker the Texans expect him to be able to utilize the skills he showcased while at ..."

Schaub, Johnson energized

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May 19

Houston Chronicle

"Quarterback Matt Schaub jogged on the field free of the knee brace he wore the final month of last season. The shoulder surgery he underwent last offseason was a distant memory as he participated in the first day of Texans organized team activities Monday. For the past three months, Schaub, 27, has avoided the training room and enjoyed a "normal" offseason. "It was wonderful, since I didn't have to worry about coming in the training room every morning," Schaub said. "I got to spend a lot more time with my wife and travel, and I got to play golf early in this offseason. So that was fun." It's back to business for the third-year starter, though. He returns rested, healthy and confident, and ..."

Hill happy to be a Texan

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May 18

Houston Chronicle

"Texans rookie tight end Anthony Hill is dealing with a divided family. When Hill was selected by the Texans in the fourth round of the NFL draft, his family was thrilled he was returning to Texas after spending his collegiate career at North Carolina State. Some of his family members, however, wished Hill had landed in Dallas instead of back in his hometown of Houston. "Half of my family is Cowboys fans and half are Texans fans," Hill said. "All the Houston Texans fans, they are really, really happy. The Cowboys fans are happy as well, but they wish I had gone to Dallas. They are excited to see me play though." Hill (6-5, 262) hits the field for the first time as a Texan when organized ..."

Texans' defense looks to have stronger case

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May 13

Houston Chronicle

columnist John McClain

"When the Texans begin their organized team activities on Monday, we'll get our first look at the defense under new coordinator Frank Bush. We pretty much know what will be expected from an offense that ranked third in yards and 17th in points — reduced turnovers and improvement in the red zone. But the defense is another matter with Bush's promotion, along with the hiring of Bill Kollar as assistant head coach/defensive line coach and David Gibbs as the secondary coach. Bush was promoted and Kollar was hired in correlation with an anemic pass rush that produced only 25 sacks — 12 by Mario Williams. The Texans ranked 27th in sacks, and it's up to Bush and Kollar to improve pressure on the ..."

Dallas-Fort Worth venues announced for Super Bowl XLV ancillary events

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May 13

Dallas Morning News

"The Super Bowl XLV Host Committee announced today the locations of eight major events and venues - from the NFL Experience to the headquarters hotel - for the 2011 game in Arlington. Dallas will get the largest share of marquee events and venues. The NFL Experience, an 850,000-square-foot theme park, football museum and memorabilia show, will be held at the Dallas Convention Center. That announcement was expected since there are no other indoor venues large enough to accommodate it. In warm weather states, such as Florida or Arizona, the NFL Experience is sometimes held outdoors. The event is booked indoors in regions where cold weather is likely. The Hilton Anatole was chosen as the NFL ..."

Broncos sign former Texans running back Walker

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May 9

Houston Chronicle

"The Denver Broncos have signed free-agent running back Darius Walker, the team announced Friday. Walker, 23, signed with the Texans as a free agent in 2007 and played four games, rushing for 264 yards on 58 carries and catching 13 passes for 81 yards. He dressed for five games with the Texans last season but did not play before joining St. Louis' practice squad for a week Nov. 4. He rejoined the Texans' practice squad Nov. 25, finishing the season with the team."

Texans to keep Gibbs despite dispute

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May 8

Houston Chronicle

"Unlike those teams that could lose some of the best assistant coaches in the NFL, the Texans do not expect assistant head coach/offense Alex Gibbs to retire because of changes in the NFL's pension plan for non-playing employees. A controversy is brewing among the league's assistant coaches because of a change the owners made at the NFL meetings in March that allowed teams to opt out of the standardized pension plan that has been one of the best in professional sports and implement one of their choosing. The Texans are one of nine teams — including Dallas, New England, Atlanta, Jacksonville, New Orleans, Buffalo, Arizona and San Francisco — that opted out of the NFL pension. Owner Bob ..."

Commissioners of the big four sports gather to discuss 'The Future of Sports'

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May 7

New York Daily News

"They are portrayed as having the job security of a Supreme Court justice or the president of North Korea, but even the commissioners of the four major North American sports have to occasionally answer questions about the future of their sports at a time when, as one of them said, the economy is in the greatest downturn since the Great Depression. Wednesday, Bud Selig of Major League Baseball, Roger Goodell of the National Football League, David Stern of the National Basketball Association and Gary Bettman of the National Hockey League assembled at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Midtown Manhattan to discuss some of the issues facing an enterprise with a combined revenue of $21.2 billion. ..."

Texans to study Casey

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May 3

Houston Chronicle

"James Casey must feel like a lab rat. Rather than medical researchers picking at him, it's going to be Texans coaches experimenting with him as soon as they can get him on the practice field. Casey, the fifth-round pick from Rice, has offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan and tight ends coach Brian Pariani excited because they can't wait to try to take advantage of his versatility. Casey reminds them of their fourth-round pick in 2006 — tight end Owen Daniels, who developed into a Pro Bowl player last season. "Owen is as good as anyone in the passing game," Shanahan said. "I see Casey as just like that. Obviously, Casey's not as far along as Owen, so you can't include him in all the ..."

Texans consider options at RB

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May 1

Houston Chronicle

"Unless they sign a free agent like Selvin Young, who was waived by Denver on Thursday, the Texans will be five deep at running back. The Denver Post reported that Young is suffering from a herniated disc, so he'll have to get healthy before a team is interested in signing him. The search for the ideal complement to Steve Slaton is an ongoing process that, at some point, probably will include more players waived by other teams since the Texans didn't fill that need in the draft. Beginning with 14 organized team activities that start May 18, continuing through the minicamp June 15-17 and into training camp and preseason, it's going to be interesting to see what player wins the backup job. ..."

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