Introducing Battle Red Blog’s Newest Writer

My football life started in 2010; I was 13 at the time. I got a later start than most, since my family preferred soccer and baseball. I was flipping channels and decided I’d sit and watch a full game. Little did I know that I’d be locking myself into the rollercoaster that is Texas fandom.

In retrospect, I think it was the perfect season for a first time viewer. That season, the Texans were giving up 26 points per game, which was good for fourth highest in the NFL. However, the offense was solid. Arian Foster led the league with 1,616 rushing yards, Matt Schaub threw for over 4,000 yards. The GOAT, Andre Johnson, had a Pro Bowl year.

The Texans went 6-10 that year, but it was a enjoyable 6-10. Nothing is more entertaining to a newbie than a potent offense and no defense.

My earliest memory came in that same season. It was Week 10 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The game had been going back and forth, and the team was sitting at 4-4. Matt Schaub had just hit Kevin Walter for a TD in the fourth to tie the game.

Josh Lambo proceeded to miss a field goal.

Joel Dreessen fumbled.

David Garrard sat at the 50 yard line with 3 seconds left. He hurled all of his 230 lb. behind the ball into the end zone. Glover Quin swatted the ball down...right into Mike Thomas’s breadbasket.

Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images

I vividly remember that moment. It was the shock of what happened. Defeat snatched out of the jaws of victory. Rage bubbled up inside of me. This grand disappointment cocktail that stirred within told me exactly one thing.

I cared about this team and this sport.

Since then, there have been similar feelings, along with all new ones. The elation of our first playoff win against the Bengals. The demoralization of the Letterman Jacket Incident. Watching my first heroes retire and move on to greener pastures. Losing hope because of [NAME REDACTED]. Regaining hope behind Deshaun Watson.

I’m locked into a life sentence with this franchise, just like the rest of you.

I try to stay level headed and analytical. I can get passionate, but I will always be open to new and different opinions. Many here have spent their lives watching football, so I’m here playing catch-up.

I’ve read Battle Red Blog since I was in high school. These writers have been instrumental in my development as a fan, not only for this franchise, but for the sport. I can’t begin to express how excited I am to work with everyone here and keep growing as a football fan. Let’s look forward to Day 2 of the 2020 NFL Draft and getting through this offseason together!

Follow me on Twitter @clf961205 for game day commentary, Texans opinions, and GIFs. Lots of GIFs.

P.S. Shout out Kevin Walter! I just know BOB would have loved him as a “high-character” guy.

Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images