Linebacker Denzel Perryman has operated in the defenses of many different coaches over the years.
Some were former players, others cut their teeth in collegiate ranks, but none seem to have given Perryman the same impression as DeMeco Ryans, who played his same position for the Houston Texans from 2006-11.
Perryman was queried about the experience of having a coach who has, quite literally, walked in his shoes before. The nine-year pro’s response may give fans a glimpse at what the mind of a football player looks like, and how a veteran approaches a rebuild with a young team and first-year coach.
“So, me in general, you just cut the tape off and I’m going to be doing that regardless, whether he plays tight end or quarterback, that’s just me in general,” Perryman said. “But, having a linebacker as a head coach, you can tell by his energy and everything. Like, I told him I feel like he still wants to play, low-key.
“But, just having that mindset, I mean it’s a defensive mindset and he’s a players’ coach, I can say that. And he’s been in the same seats that we’ve been in. Literally in the same seats we’ve been in. But, just having a players’ coach in general, I feel like that’s great for the locker room and for the team itself.”
Perryman’s confidence in Ryans should hearten Texans fans, but without the fruits of the Texans linebackers’ offseason labor yet unborn, the Houston faithful will have to wait to see if the bravado is well-warranted.
Nonetheless, with the slowest part of the NFL year ahead, Perryman’s demeanor in talking about his clearly-beloved coach is a good sign.
