Ryans transforms Texans into contenders. His dual impact as player and coach could redefine franchise legacy, surpassing even Watt and Johnson.
Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans has his team on the verge of making the AFC championship this weekend. It has us wondering if any individual has had more impact on the Texans franchise than Ryans.
Outside of Texans ownership bringing the team to Houston in the early 2000s, the case can be made that no individual, not star wide receiver Andre Johnson, former head coach Gary Kubiak, nor elite edge rusher J.J. Watt, has done more for the Texans than Ryans. And perhaps it's not even close.
Daniel Mader of "The Sporting News" discussed what Ryans accomplished for the Houston Texans as a player.
"DeMeco Ryans spent 10 seasons in the NFL from 2006-15. He ranked among the best linebackers in the league at times, especially earlier in his career.
Ryans was selected with the 33rd overall pick in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft by the Texans, a highly-regarded linebacker prospect who was coming off an elite college career. Ryans had been an outside linebacker in college, but joined the Texans as a middle linebacker in his rookie season.
Ryans made an immediate impact for Houston, winning AFC Defensive Player of the Week in Week 13 of the 2006 season after totaling 15 tackles, three pass deflections, a sack, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and an interception. He proceeded to win the Defensive Rookie of the Year award, finishing second in the league with 155 total tackles, 31 more than any other rookie.
From 2006-11, Ryans played for the Texans, including an All-Pro 2007 season and two Pro Bowl nods. He signed a six-year extension with Houston in 2010."
Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans during the second half of an AFC Wild Card Round game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. Barry Reeger-Imagn ImagesRyans' illustrious NFL career, highlighted by being one of the best at his position for several years, is nothing to turn one's nose up at given how many players would gladly trade their career accomplishments for what the Texans linebacker once did. Even so, what he is doing for the franchise now as a head coach is even more impactful.
It is likely true that words have more meaning to players when they come from a coach who got it done in the league as a player himself. It's inarguable that Ryans' actions and track record align with his words. Still, the coach has elevated a franchise from competitive to contender for the first time in its history. And for the first time since the days of Oilers quarterback Warren Moon, Houston has a real shot at competing for a Super Bowl it has yet to win.
The Texans have a chance to break through to the AFC championship, and it's all because of Ryans' culture and system. Houston will look to complete the improbable run this weekend.