For the last two years, Cleveland Browns left tackle Joe Thomas observed quarterback Brian Hoyer in practice, meetings, games and get-togethers away from football.
Thomas, an eight-time Pro Bowl selection, was on vacation last week but still eager to talk about Hoyer and his respect for the new Texans quarterback who will compete with Ryan Mallett for the starting job.
"I don't know that I've ever been around anybody more driven to succeed at football than Brian," Thomas said. "He just exudes competitiveness. You can tell how important football is to him by the way he conducts himself and the way he attacks meetings and practice.
"Brian leads by example, and he demands everyone get right in line behind him. That's the kind of quarterback you need - someone who's going to demand that everybody put in the time and effort he puts in. He backs it up because of what he does on the field, in practice and the meeting room."
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"Houston was probably going to be No. 1 on his list if the money made sense because of his relationship with O'Brien and the quarterbacks coach (George Godsey)," Thomas said. "He's such a smart guy. He wouldn't have a problem picking up a different offense, but having that familiarity with their system is really going to help him.
"Brian's always had to prove himself everywhere he's gone. And he's always gone above and beyond the expectations people had for him."
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Enter Manziel
While Hoyer was recovering from knee surgery, the Browns drafted Manziel in the first round. From the night of the draft through the end of the season, Hoyer was forced to look over his shoulder at the rookie from Texas A&M.
Players and coaches were in Hoyer's corner. The owner, administrative executives and marketing people wanted Manziel.
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His teammates watched Hoyer and Manizel closely.
"He handled it like a pro, just like you'd expect him to handle it," Thomas said. "Obviously, he wasn't happy that we drafted Johnny. Nobody would have been in his situation.
"You know that if they draft somebody at your position in the first round, you're pretty much out the door. There was no animosity between them. He did everything he could to help Johnny because he's a true professional."
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