HOUSTON—One of the primary concerns heading into Houston Texans training camp was who would start at the left guard position. The answer may have surprised some of the media members in attendance as the offensive huddle dispersed on Thursday’s first series of team drills.
Kenyon Green, who missed his sophomore season with the Texans after having surgery due to a torn labrum in his shoulder, was back in the position he occupied his rookie season after being drafted by Houston with the 15th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.
“It’s a blessing,” Green said exclusively to Big Sarge Media about returning to the field. “Being out here, competing, and just having fun with it. Getting back and just working is very exciting.”
Growing up in a football household, coached by his father, Henry Green, the one thing that brought joy and excitement to the former five-star recruit out of Atascocita High School was being on the field with his teammates. That is why it was hard for him to miss an entire year of competition and be an integral part of the Texans’ AFC South title run.
Green had to refocus and get back to what made him a two-time Consensus All-American (2020, 2021) during his college days at Texas A&M University. Having played against some elite defensive linemen in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), including his current teammate Will Anderson Jr., who was named 2023 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, Green knew precisely what it would take for him to get back to that level.
Once he finished his rehabilitation assignment, Green put himself through hours of rigorous training and a strict diet. During those long days, he would remind himself that everything happens for a reason.
“It was tough, but it was a lesson,” said Green. “God sat me down, and I had to mature and get myself right from inside and out. I worked my tail off and got my body right, and now I am ready to work and compete. I had a chance to leave town and get focused. Out of sight, out of mind. It really helped me grow as a man and as a player.”
All the hard work and dedication did not go unnoticed by head coach DeMeco Ryans, who was not a part of the franchise when Green was drafted but made himself familiar as soon as he took over. His limited time watching him play during training camp and preseason during his first year as a head coach couldn’t give him an objective, in-depth analysis of what Green could do in game-time situations.
Yet, the small sample size was enough for Ryans to encourage him during his rehabilitation process. He continued providing the positive leadership he had instilled into the Texans organization.
Green put those words into action by being inside NRG Stadium and working out every opportunity he had when he wasn’t training at private training facilities in and out of the state.
He repeatedly studied Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik’s offense so that he would be ready by the beginning of camp, knowing that his contribution would be needed to help fulfill the organization’s expectations for the upcoming season.
“I’ve seen a guy who is in shape and a guy who is ready to compete,” Ryans said during his press conference on Friday. “That’s going to give him his best chance to put his best film out there, and we’ll see. Kenyon is available, so that’s going to continue to allow him to grow and become a better player because he’s done a great job in the offseason of working out, being attentive to all the details that the coaches have asked him to take care of, he’s been on it.”
Green, 23, watched last season as quarterback C.J. Stroud made his presence felt, winning the 2023 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and shattering rookie records while leading the Texans to the AFC Divisional round of the playoffs. He is eager and excited to play with Stroud for the first time in the regular season, knowing he can add a different element to a solid offensive unit.
“I am bringing physicality and athleticism,” Green responded when asked what dynamic he brings to the offense. “I am bringing everything to the game that helps the team win. I am a team player, and I am just ready to go out there and do what I can to help us win games.”
