Johnathan Joseph is entering his 14th season in the NFL, and when the 35-year-old talks, other Houston Texans defensive backs listen.
The respect that Joseph commands in the secondary room is a boon for secondary coach Anthony Midget.
“He’s a player’s coach because the guys listen to him,” Midget said during the third week of organized team activities Tuesday. “The guy is going into his 14th season, so he has a lot of experience and the guys lean on him for that.”
Joseph, who came to the Texans in 2011 after spending his first five seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals after being taken 24th overall in the 2006 NFL draft, is especially influential with the younger players when it comes to learning the coverages. And Joseph’s 186 games of playing experience makes him a natural magnet for older players.
Said Midget: “In installing meetings, Joe helps the younger guys, the older guys and they gravitate to him because he’s got that playing experience. He’s been great. He’s been awesome.”
Midget came over with coach Bill O’Brien from Penn State to join the Texans in 2014. For the first four seasons, Midget was the assistant defensive backs coach, not earning the full promotion until last year. Nonetheless, he is about to enter his sixth season with the reliable Pro Bowler playing outside.
“I’ve been here six years and he’s been great every year,” said Midget. “Just a great vet to have in the room.”
