The Houston Texans are ready to move past last season's disappointment. However, no one may be more prepared to do so than tight-end Brevin Jordan.
"There is no excuse for me not to have a big year," Jordan said to TexansDaily.com at SI in our exclusive visit. "I have to put all my marbles into one bag and go. No thinking. No time to make rookie mistakes. No time to make young mistakes. It's all about moving forward."
Wednesday morning marks the first day of Texans training camp at the Houston Methodist Training Center. Jordan has worked tirelessly over the past six months in preparation for his third season.
Each drill and team scrimmage over the next four weeks is a chance for Jordan to re-establish himself as a prominent player within the position group. But more importantly, build confidence and trust with the Texans' new coaching staff ahead of a make-or-break year.
His off-season training went beyond improving his on-field skill set. He emphasized getting his body in better shape to stand the grueling wear and tear of a 17-game season.
He lost extensive body fat. And by coming into training camp lighter, Jordan believes the added muscle will result in more explosive plays.
The Texans received a glimpse into Jordan's third-year progression during OTAs and mandatory minicamp, where he was a solid target in the passing game for quarterbacks Davis Mills and C.J. Stroud during 11-on-11 and 2-minute drills.
"It's about playing fast, jumping off the ball and playing explosive," Jordan said. "There is always progression that needs to be made, that's an athlete in general. I feel like with the changes I've made to my body, my athleticism would be able to take over."
Jordan entered last season as the favored to take the helm as the Texans' top tight end. His rookie season was promising, as the University of Miami prospect caught 20 passes for 178 yards and three touchdowns in 2021.
But halfway through his second season, Jordan found himself spending more time on the sideline than taking snaps on Sundays. An early season ankle injury caused Jordan to miss three consecutive games. Halfway through the season, three healthy scratches forced Jordan back on the sideline.
In December, Jordan exclusively told Texans Daily it hurt not suiting up consistently but refused to drown in sorrow.
He remained motivated. And before leaving NRG Stadium for the off-season, Jordan said he was looking forward to another opportunity to showcase his talents in 2023. Jordan finished the 2022 campaign with 128 yards on 14 catches in 11 games.
"It's a fresh start," Jordan said. "Being around the new coaching staff, rookies, and the energy coach DeMeco [Ryans] and his staff bring to the building, I am excited. You have to be, and there is no other way."
For each returning player, the goal in 2023 is to help the Texans overcome the appalling play that has plagued the franchise since their last post-season appearance in 2019.
Jordan shares the same sentiment as his teammates. Yet, to help the Texans, he understands the first objective is to win the camp battle against his contemporaries to earn a consistent role in year three.
It's a goal that could lead to an exceptional year on an individual and team level for a rejuvenated Jordan.
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