Dependable, tough, smart: these are the traits Bill O’Brien is looking for out of players to comprise the Houston Texans’ final 55-man roster for the 2020 regular season.
“When you talk about DTS — dependable, tough and smart — this is what we’re trying to build here, layers of DTS guys, dependable, tough, smart guys,” O’Brien said.
Of course, the coach and general manager was referring to safety Michael Thomas, who he introduced on a video conference with Houston media on June 3.
“We are very, very excited to have Michael Thomas on our team,” said O’Brien. “It’s unfortunate for me because I’m actually meeting Michael Thomas I guess face to face for the first time right now.”
Thomas is a Pro Bowler, but he earned that all-star selection in 2018 for his production on special teams with the New York Giants. An exceptional special teamer, Thomas earned a spot on Pro Football Focus’ 2010s all-decade team for his efforts.
However, it isn’t just what Thomas brings on the field that underscores his dependability, durability, and intelligence. The 30-year-old graduate of Houston Nimitz High School played college ball for Stanford, and earned the Ira D. Hall Award for his work in the community with an emphasis on social justice.
Thomas will be asked to play a supporting role in the Texans’ secondary behind starting safeties Justin Reid and Eric Murray. Still, the Texans will be able to count on Thomas to give his best effort in the transition phase of the game as well as provide depth in the secondary.