Houston Texans News: June 26, 2014

USA World Cup 2014 News

The Increasing Importance of Kyle Beckerman - Stars and Stripes FC
Kyle Beckerman has gone from the fringe of the USMNT roster to a World Cup starter. The hard-nosed midfielder has done wonders for the US, and will need to be on his best game if we are to advance to the knockout stage.

Jurgen Klinsmann wrote you a permission slip to skip work for USA-Germany - SBNation.com
Now we just need to forge your boss' signature.

USMNT vs Germany World Cup Preview | Brazil Bound - SBNation.com
The USMNT finish Group G against European powerhouse Germany. What lineup do Jesse Marsch and Matt Doyle expect? How will Jurgen Klinsmann change his tactics? And who do the experts pick to advance?

United States vs. Germany, 2014 World Cup preview: A draw will do for both sides - SBNation.com
A draw in the United States' meeting with Germany on Thursday would be enough for both sides to progress into the World Cup's knockout stages.

Houston Texans News

Texans head to NFL Rookie Symposium
Texans players traveled to Aurora, Ohio on Wednesday to attend the 2014 NFL Rookie Symposium.

RTC: Keenum might throw with Johnson - Houston Texans Blog - ESPN
Reading the coverage of the Houston Texans... It's a big day for the US Men's National Team, playing in a pivotal game in group play against Germany...

Ryan Fitzpatrick as a fantasy sleeper? - Houston Texans Blog - ESPN
Is it ever too early to start thinking about fantasy football? Well, yes. Sometimes it is. But now is a reasonable time to start since there's no...

Clowney will spend time rehabbing - Houston Texans Blog - ESPN
ESPN.com Houston Texans reporter Tania Ganguli talks about the injury timeline for top pick Jadeveon Clowney.

Video: McClain and Smith break down the Texans’ secondary - Ultimate Texans
Texans beat writers John McClain and Brian T. Smith wrap up offseason workouts. In this video, they discuss the team’s main weakness on defense: a secondary that has long been a soft spot and this year features position battles at safety.

Around the League

Titans betting the franchise on Jake Locker - SBNation.com
The former first-rounder has been written off by most, but the Titans quarterback could be the NFL's biggest surprise in 2014.

Dre Kirkpatrick is running out of excuses - SBNation.com
The Bengals invested a first-round pick in the Alabama cornerback, who has yet to be a reliable starter. Is 2014 his last chance?

Quotables: NFL revises concussion settlement - SBNation.com
The NFL agreed to a revised settlement with former players who sued the league for concussions, it seems unlikely Aldon Smith will face any jail time for his off-the-field issues and more from Wednesday in the NFL.

Why many doubt Jameis Winston will pass on the 2015 NFL draft - Tomahawk Nation
Let's look at some of the factors that will eventually go into Winston deciding to enter the 2015 NFL draft or return to Florida State.

NFL, former players agree to revised concussion settlement - SBNation.com
The NFL has agreed to lift the cap on monetary funds that can go to former players suffering from brain injuries that occurred as a result of their professional football careers.

Marshawn Lynch to appear in ESPN The Magazine's "Body Issue", Madden 15 cover unveiled - Field Gulls
On Wednesday, ESPN unveiled their list of 22 athletes for this year's body issue, which includes Marshawn Lynch. Also unveiled was the cover of Madden 15, featuring Richard Sherman.

Cam Newton cleared to work out in time for Panthers training camp - SBNation.com
Cam Newton is ahead of schedule in his recovery from ankle surgery, and has returned to practice for the Panthers well before the start of training camp.

Houston & Collegiate Sports

Braves 4, Astros 0: Houston's bats felled by Wood - The Crawfish Boxes
The 'Stros follow a familiar script to another series loss.

Houston Rockets to trade Omer Asik to New Orleans Pelicans, reports say - The Dream Shake
According to multiple reports, the Rockets have agreed to send Omer Asik to the New Orleans Pelicans.

Texas Tech Links: Jackson & Defensive Success; Smith & Crockett After Basketball - Viva The Matadors
If Branden Jackson is having defensive success, then so is Texas Tech. Head coach Tubby Smith and Jaye Crockett on life after basketball. UT coach makes an impression on high school coaches in San Angelo.

Gary Patterson is throwing out the first pitch at tonight's Rangers game - Frogs O' War
The TCU coach is throwing out the first pitch at tonight's Rangers game

Thursday Daily Bears Report: American Hegemony and also Draft Day - Our Daily Bears
There's so much America today.

Q & A with LSU: the Thanksgiving Game - Good Bull Hunting
We visit with Billy Gomila from And The Valley Shook about the scheduling news.

#TTTQ Tweet of the Night

What gives you the most reason for optimism about the #Texans in 2014? #TTTQ

@battleredblog The rest of the division is just as terrible as they are.

— Rivers McCown (@FO_RiversMcCown) June 26, 2014