‘We preach running off the ball, get into the second level,’ Texans offensive guard Kenyon Green

CHAGRIN FALLS, Ohio – Kenyon Green doesn’t just look different after transforming his body through an intense workout regimen and a significantly upgraded diet.

The Texans’ third-year offensive guard and former first-round draft pick is moving differently nowadays.

Visibly lighter on his feet and in a sunnier outlook, Green is having fun and it’s obvious in his demeanor and in his blocking style.

The former Texas A&M consensus All-American and blue-chip recruit from Atascosita High School got off the football at the line of scrimmage and did more than simply hold the point of attack during his first game action in a year. One year after tearing the labrum in his shoulder and undergoing surgery and missing the entire season, Green started at left guard next to rookie left tackle Blake Fisher and center Juice Scruggs in the Hall of Fame game against the Chicago Bears.

Green delivered an impressive performance, peeling off his initial contact to reach the second level and knock into linebackers to wall off their pursuit angles.

“That is the offense,” Green said after practice at The University School. That is what we preach, running off the ball and making sure that we get into the second level and that was what we were trying to put on tape.”

The old narrative has changed for Green. His first two NFL seasons were defined by injuries and a rough start as a rookie starter who dealt with significant growing pains after being drafted 15th overall.

Heading into his third NFL season, Green is in the lead to be the starting left guard for the defending AFC South champions after dramatically his body. Green lost dozens of pounds and a significant amount of body fat percentage through a healthier diet and a grueling workout regimen.

The results were on display against the Bears as Green and Scruggs, a second-year former Penn State lineman drafted in the second round last year who trained alongside him this summer, both showed why they were high draft picks.

“Yeah, I really liked Kenyon and Juice, I really liked the way that they played,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “I think they both had probably over 20 snaps and I thought they did a really nice job of going out and showing who they can be. Still a lot to improve on, but I liked the aggressiveness from Kenyon. I liked how he got up to the second level I like the way they were finishing blocks.

“So, it’s definitely a big step in the right direction for both guys when it comes to continuing to improve our front and we know how important the front is it to be able to run the football, also of the protection aspect of it. So, I thought both of those guys did a really nice job.”

Green trained consistently with the Texans’ strength and conditioning staff, supplementing his workouts with extra work at Ollin Athletics in Cypress and time with Ndamukong Suh in Oregon. He’s down to 315 pounds having lost roughly 30 pounds.

And the results were evident against Chicago. Green looked a lot better, playing with more energy.

“It was good, it felt good,” Green said. “I feel like out here we got the best of the best out here on my team. So going up out there it just slowed everything down for me, definitely.”

Because of the improved conditioning, Green is a more consistent, confident and active lineman.

“Yeah, definitely,” Green said. “Just going out there and being able to continue to do the right things each play is the most important thing. Being available and accountable for everything that I am doing. I am just happy that I am out there and can compete with my teammates.”

Green fought through a surprisingly hot day in Ohio, overcoming a bout with nausea to stay on the field Monday and continue practicing.

“Yeah, it was a little surprising but it is always good work and we always come together in pads,” Green said. “It was a good day. It’s a part of the game. You just have to continue to go, so definitely. I won’t like to do that again, but it is what it is.”

Green is mentoring younger players like Fisher, who has also played well. He’s imparting his knowledge to try to help him have a smoother transition to the NFL.

“The mistakes I made and the things that I am working on still and just feeding that to him and making sure that he knows that he is on the right path and he is,” Green said. “He is doing a great job.”

The Texans plan to play their starters against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Friday night in a road preseason game.

It’s a time when Green can test himself again.

“It’s going to be exciting,” Green said. “Steelers are a hard-nosed, physical team, so it’s just going to get us prepared for the regular season going against defensive lines like that and the linebacker crew they have, so it’s going to be a great battle.”

Yes, Green was aware of the frequent criticism he received on social media and on sports talk radio programs. It only motivated him further.

“Definitely, I really want respect,” he said. “I’m coming out here doing what I need to do to prepare and be a help for my team. It’s football. Fans are going to be fans. You deal with them when you have to. I appreciate them for everything.”

For Green, it’s a different personal soundtrack than the difficulties of his rookie season when he had his ups and downs. Green allowed 47 pressures and four sacks in 823 snaps. He had a 37.7 Pro Football Focus blocking grade, a 27.0 pass protection mark for the season, including a season-low 3.6 pass-blocking grade against the Washington Commanders when he struggled to slow down the charge of defensive tackles Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne. Green gave up two sacks and five pressures in that loss.

So, Green rededicated himself to his craft and set his ambitions on reaching his potential.

Through it all, Green has had the unwavering love and support of his parents and sister. They’re fixtures at Texans practices and games and have his back.

“They’ve always been there for me,” Green said. “I appreciate them and I love them. I thank God they’re in my life and they’re supporting this. I’m grateful for them and for this opportunity.”

The Texans finished 11-8 last season, winning the AFC South division title in Ryans’ first season as head coach. Green wasn’t a part of that success after aggravating his shoulder during the final preseason game against the New Orleans Saints. This year, Green can bolster an offensive line that includes Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil, center Juice Scruggs, right guard Shaq Mason and right tackle Tytus Howard. Headlined by Pro Bowl quarterback C.J. Stroud, the Texans’ offense could be the best in franchise history.

“Very special,” Green said. “I feel like we can definitely dominate and take care of business every game like we need to.”

Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com.