Justin Britt was part of the veterans on one-year deals that took a chance with the 2021 Houston Texans in order to revitalize their careers.
The 6-6, 315-pound center started 11 games for Houston during their 4-13 campaign that got rookie coach David Culley fired after the season. The expectations for the Texans were low heading into that year, and it showed with the team’s final record.
The Texans balanced having as much change as possible while also maintaining some of the continuity built in the Culley era. Houston promoted defensive coordinator and associate head coach Lovie Smith to the main job after a month-long coaching search. Even though the Texans were going with someone partly responsible for the 4-13 record, the mood for the team changed, and so did the attitude of Houston sports fans.
Britt was able to observe the difference after the first two days of training camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
“The first thing I’ve noticed since yesterday is the energy,” Britt told reporters on July 30. “I mean we have the energy but the energy from the fans and people attending, there’s a different vibe. There’s a rejuvenated sense and whether that’s Coach Lovie, Pep [Hamilton] on the offense, it’s just a good feeling.
“You could feel that in the summer and spring, but you get back to camp and you really start rolling, you start to feel it and you start to gain that confidence and it makes it exciting to come to work at 4:30.”
The Texans also promoted quarterbacks coach and passing game coordinator Pep Hamilton to offensive coordinator following the departure of Tim Kelly. Hamilton was an assistant coach Smith wanted to work with since their time together with the Chicago Bears from 2007-09, but didn’t have the chance until now.
“I think Pep brings a lot of energy and juice to the offense,” said Britt. “Good mixture of run and pass and aggression. Without giving anything way really, it’s going to be a fun year. The playbook is exciting and it all makes sense and it’s crystal clear and it gives us a chance to go out there and execute at the highest level.”
The Texans’ first regular game isn’t until Sept. 11 against the Indianapolis Colts at NRG Stadium. In the meantime, Houston can still sustain the energy until their first meaningful action with inspired play and high-level execution throughout their three preseason games.