Houston Texans cornerback Collin Wright recently expressed his thoughts after being named to the team's initial 53-man roster, a significant milestone for the rookie. In a candid interview, Wright reflected on the challenges of training camp, the transition from college football to the NFL, and the support he received from his family and coaches.
Wright described the anxiety that accompanies training camp, where every practice and drill is scrutinized. "Everybody knows how stressful camp is. Every day we’re being evaluated, every little thing we’re doing we’re being evaluated," he said. Despite his concerns about not being on the field at times, he found solace in his performance and the support of his teammates and coaching staff. "I just left it up to God and luckily I was blessed and I’m blessed to still be here," he added.
When asked how he learned of his inclusion on the roster, Wright revealed that he found out through the Texans' Instagram account. He had been anticipating the announcement but had not received any direct communication until he saw the news online. "I didn’t hear anything all day, but I’ve also heard on days like this, no news is good news," he noted. The moment was made even more special as he celebrated the news with his family.
Throughout training camp, Wright emphasized the importance of consistency in his performance. He stated, "For me, that’s something I’ve tried to carry out throughout my whole career coming from college to coming here." He has focused on maintaining a disciplined lifestyle, which includes studying film and taking care of his body. This approach has contributed to his successful training camp, where he made several notable plays.
Wright also credited his growth to the guidance of Defensive Backs Coach Dino Vasso and fellow cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. He highlighted the emphasis on creating takeaways as a key aspect of his learning. "Hunting the ball. I think that’s the number one thing. Takeaways, you kind of make your living off takeaways in the league," he explained. The competitive atmosphere within the Texans’ defensive backfield has motivated him to elevate his game.
Discussing the differences between college and professional football, Wright pointed to the increased speed and athleticism of NFL players. He noted that the game requires a sharper focus on the finer details, such as studying a receiver's movements and body language. "It’s really trying to find those small things that are going to make the difference," he said.
Wright's family has played a significant role in his journey, and he shared that they were just as excited as he was upon learning about his roster spot. They communicated through a family group chat, which added to the joy of the moment. He expressed gratitude for the Texans organization for giving him the opportunity to showcase his talents.
As he looks ahead in his career, Wright remains focused on the lessons he learned from former NFL quarterback Andrew Luck, who advised him to maintain his work ethic. "Nobody is ever going to give anything to you, so for me, that’s kind of how I treated this whole process," he said.
Wright's journey to the NFL has been deeply personal, as he grew up in the Houston area and attended Texans games during his childhood. Reflecting on this, he stated, "It’s crazy to walk in the same stadium that I drove past in my entire life." His connection to local youth football remains strong, and he continues to support young players in the Houston area.
Ultimately, Wright expressed no desire to return to college football, stating, "I’ve always wanted to be a pro and I want to just keep striving to try to be the best pro I can." With his determination and the support of his family and coaches, Wright is poised to make a significant impact in the NFL.
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