NFL cornerbacks are regarded for their anticipation skills, not necessarily their clairvoyance.
Houston Texans cornerback Tavierre Thomas had a funny feeling about Tremon Smith, one of his closest friends on the team and a groomsman from his wedding.
It’s crazy, on Saturday [Dec. 10], I was in the sauna, that week he got two interceptions,” Thomas said. “I’m in the sauna, I got out of the sauna, and I called him. I was like, ‘Bro, I don’t know why, but I feel like you’re going to play.’”
Rookie cornerback Derek Stingley had been sidelined since Week 11 with a hamstring injury. The Texans were going with Desmond King in his place opposite of cornerback Steven Nelson. The plan was going to be the same against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 14.
“I called him, and I said, ‘I think you’re going to play this weekend,’” Thomas recalled. “And he was like, ‘I’m not going to play, bro.’ I said, ‘Yes you are, bro. Just stay locked in.’ And he said, ‘I’m always going to be ready.’ I was like, ‘I’m telling you Tre, you’re going to get in.’”
Nelson left the game in the first half with a foot injury, which meant the Texans had to delve into their reserve, and Smith, who normally returns punts and kickoffs, was playing in Nelson’s spot opposite of King.
“The first play, he made a tackle,” said Thomas. “The second play, he had a pick.”
With 3:21 to go in the second quarter, Smith caught a tipped pass and recorded his first interception of his career.
Said Thomas: “He came up to me and said, ‘Bro, you’re like “That’s So Raven.”’ I was happy about that.”
The premise of “That’s So Raven,” a Disney Channel sitcom from 2003-07, was that Raven Baxter, played by Raven-Symoné, would use her psychic abilities throughout her life as a teenager.
“I’m happy for him,” Thomas said. “I’m happy he’s balling out, and I’m happy he’s got his opportunity. Hopefully, he just keeps it up and keeps making plays.
“He’s going to have a big payday coming soon.”