Why would a 41-year-old take a backup job with the 2-6 Houston Texans, who are already set at starter and ostensibly their backup spot?
That is the big question surrounding Josh McCown, who signed with the Texans last week to be their third quarterback. It is unlikely that he will see the playing field as Deshaun Watson is firmly in control of the starting job and A.J. McCarron has been his backup since the start of the 2019 season.
However, there was an attraction for the former Jacksonville (Texas) High School and Sam Houston State product.
“For me the experience is just that, it’s just being in the locker room and being a part of it,” said McCown, who spent last season on the Philadelphia Eagles’ active roster and 2020 on their practice squad. “I was at a point where going to Philly and being that far away from my family just wasn’t for me on the table anymore. When these guys called and the opportunity to actually be in a building and be around the guys, that’s what I’m here for. That’s what I want to be a part of.”
Another part of the allure for McCown was the opportunity to work with Watson.
Said McCown: “Like I said, in any way I can serve and help a young quarterback like Deshaun continue to do what he’s doing, that’s the icing on the cake. That’s what I want to get out of this. Just to be a part of an organization, be a part of something that a group of guys coming together to accomplish something.”
McCown insists that he still has a desire to keep playing and seeks to compete. However, the logistics were a contributing factor as to why he chose Houston.
“This place, because of logistics and family, this place afforded me that,” McCown said. “Through a lot of thought and prayer and talking with my family, we decided to do it.”
The Texans take on one of McCown’s previous 11 teams Sunday in the Cleveland Browns, where he earned a 1-10 record as a starter.
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