Texans34Life
I BLEED TEXANS!
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/4840515.html
For the third-year wide receiver from Hampton, the changes are big steps. While injuries to his pesky hamstrings have made headlines, the former college sprinter's attitude has been an underlying problem.
"Being a track person, you have a tendency to be arrogant," Mathis said. "You want to win. You don't want to be second to anyone. So therefore all you know is winning.
"Some people win by
intimidation, whether by talking or by just showing what you can do. Some people do it both ways. I have a tendency of doing it both ways talking and then showing it."
Mathis is learning to just "show it." The only problems now are his hamstrings, which sidelined him for the final two days of organized team activities last week. His inability to stay healthy is putting him at risk of not making the team.
"I'm a better person all around," Mathis said. "Not just on the field, but off the field also. Looking at my rookie season until now there's been a whole lot of changes I've had to make, and things I've had to deal with to be here playing football. It was hard, but it's worth it."
The coaches say they can sense Mathis is growing up and want to see him produce. Kubiak made it clear last season that if Mathis was going to be activated, he had to contribute on offense and special teams.
The same will be true this season, but it won't be so easy. Aside from starters Andre Johnson and Kevin Walter, Mathis will be competing at receiver with Jacoby Jones, Charlie Adams, André Davis and David Anderson.
"Let's face it: The key to his career is he has to stay on the field," Kubiak said. "Jerome is frustrated with it. I'm frustrated with it, but you can't help us unless you're on this field."