Born and raised in Green Bay, Houston Texans rookie offensive lineman Max Scharping got to practice in front of family, friends, and old coaches for the first time since high school during Texans-Packers joint practice.
“It’s amazing to be back home, love the weather here, and a great opportunity to play against a great team,” said the offensive lineman after Monday’s practice.
Despite wearing opposing colors, Scharping’s family, friends, and prior coaches continue to support the lineman; not the hometown Packers.
“Like I said, great opportunity for me to be in front of family and friends. It’s amazing that they still support me and come out,” said Scharping.
His high school coaches can’t negate what the Texans’ staff says, but they continue to push Scharping.
Said Scharping: “They’re just here trying to support, so that was it. Just, ‘Hey go out, have fun’ type of thing. Just trying to get better every day like I’m trying to do.”
For Scharping, Thursday’s preseason bout versus the Packers will be an opportunity to play on the field he watched his icons play at for so long. “The opportunity to play in Lambeau just against a great team” is an experience Scharping is looking to gain on Thursday, says the Northern Illinois product.
Though Scharping grew up a Packers fan, he’s a Texan; and has his previous fandom suppressed.
“Well, first of all, I’m a Houston Texans fan,” Scharping stated. “Go Texans. It’s [Packers fandom] buried deep down in there somewhere.”
Scharping isn’t in Green Bay to celebrate what once was.
“At the end of the day, like I said, it’s my job, it’s what I’m here to do,” as he told reporters on Monday.
