HOUSTON – Two of the Houston Texans’ biggest moves from free agency were the signing of defensive end Danielle Hunter and trading for running back Joe Mixon. On Thursday, the team held a press conference for the two players.
Here’s what we learned:
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1. Hunter always liked the Texans—and not just because he’s from the area
Danielle grew up in Katy, so it makes sense that he grew up watching the Texans. However, the Morton Ranch alumnus said his admiration with the squad went further than being his hometown team. He took personal inspiration from the defensive stars of the teams in the mid-2000s, including 2006 top NFL Draft pick Mario Williams and DeMeco Ryans.
“Man, when I was younger, I grow up in Mario Williams, Coach Ryans, I saw that era and I saw all the stuff they went through,” Hunter said. “I was a big fan of Mario Williams and what he was doing. I tried to model my game after that sometimes, but I realize there were some things he could do that are just not for me. I grew up in that era and I liked what I saw from that team.”
2. Mixon wants to be a leader both between the lines and in the locker room
When asked about what he would bring to the Texans, Mixon did not hesitate to mention leadership both on and off the field. The eighth year back has the statistics and accolades to back that up, rushing for over a thousand yards four times and serving as a team captain the last three seasons.
“Guys listen and they feed off of me,” Mixon said. “I’m going to just continue to be the same person that I’ve been since I walked in out there when I was 20 years old. Always been a leader, led by example. And I do be a vocal leader, as well. I think that they’re definitely getting a playmaker, and I think the way things are being explained in the meetings that they’re willing to showcase everything that I can do, which has been exciting. I’ve been waiting for this a long time, and I can’t wait to make the most of every opportunity that I can, because I just know the type of player that I am and the guys that’s around here and the supporting cast around, I think that I definitely could take this thing to the next level.”
3. Hunter can’t wait to play alongside Will Anderson Jr.
Will Anderson Jr. had a sensational rookie year, picking up seven sacks en route to Defensive Rookie of the Year honors. His potential has the league on notice, and Hunter definitely sees the hype. He said he is excited to share the defensive line with Anderson, adding that he believes there’s things he can learn from the 22-year-old.
“Oh, man, that kid right there, he’s exciting,” Hunter said. “Has a lot of tools. I was with him earlier, and he just can’t stop jumping, how eager he is to go out there and rush the passer together. Very good kid. I’m excited just to be able to go out there and teach him a lot of things that I know and become a better player. And same, I can learn from him, also.”
4. Mixon will fit right in with DeMeco’s culture
Mixon said he thinks head coach DeMeco Ryans’ experience playing in the NFL makes him an appealing coach to play for. He said Ryans is good at connecting and communicating with players, and he felt wanted by the organization immediately.
“When I got on the phone with him, it was a hell of a feeling, man,” Mixon said. “... He embraced me, and he made me feel like I’m wanted. I love that about him. He was once a player, as well, and I think that with what he brings in terms of his intensity and him wanting to be around a great group of men that wants to—he pretty much leads by example, and if you see him, he’s very enthusiastic on the sideline. He’s jumping up and down while his players are making plays. Who wouldn’t want to play for a guy like that?”
5. Hunter won’t try to wear the legendary No. 99
Since Hunter wore No. 99 throughout his tenure in Minnesota, fans were speculating if he would want to wear it in Houston. The number isn’t officially retired, but it hasn’t been worn by a player since Texans legend J.J. Watt. When asked if he would request the number, Hunter said he is content to go for something else.
“Man, 99, that’s JJ’s number,” Hunter said. “He’s done a lot with that number. I’m not even going to mess with it. To be able to do what he’s done with that number for the community and the Texans, I’m just leaving that under him. I decided to possibly go with the number 55.”