I know I will catch a ton of flak for saying this, but has it ever occurred to any of you that AJ might be fed up with the fan base, and the organization, and not all of these scenarios regarding QB's. rings, etc?
I am prety sure both AJ and Watt made it more than clear they were unhappy with the fan base last season with the way they cheered when Schaub was injured, and then the way they refused to show any respect for all of his years of service and allow Kubiak finish out the season. Cutting Daniels, and Manning, signing Fitzpatrick and a whole slew of other questionable actions this off season.
AJ said he thinks the Texans should trade the first pick. If he wanted a top tier QB that some of you think was actually in this draft, why would he call for trading the pick? It's clear to me he did not want a coaching change and all of the player turnover. One year removed for the franchises best season ever, and it's time to blow up the team? Yeah yeah, I know. 2-14 dude.
Even in his most recent comment AJ commented on having a 3rd head coach. He also seemed disappointed that he had only spoken with O'Brien once a week, or every couple of weeks. Perhaps he feels like he is being left out of the offense, or that he is next on the chopping block?
Seems to me AJ realizes that some of the people who make up this fan base are horrible, and do not deserve his loyalty because they will run him out of town like they have everyone else who did not meet their stringent criteria to be accepted as a Texans player. He is just beating the fans to the punch, and from the sound of some of these comments, it's clear he has a reason to believe that.
He sees what they did to Kubiak, Schaub, Daniels, Manning, Ryans just to name a few. He is smart enough to see the writing on the wall.
It sure will be interesting if he ends up on the Raiders like is being rumored. IMHO it would speak volumes about his feelings regarding the Texans fan base and organization, because outside of Raiders fans, there are few that would call the Raiders a contender right now. Because if it's all about winning, playoffs or winning a ring, he will not end up in Oakland, right?
Having said all that, it is my belief that AJ should finish out his contract. he has made plenty of quotes going back to the end of last season that he is under contract and has to play it out. He has also said he is ready to catch passes from whomever the Texans throw out there. But I cannot blame the guy for being disenchanted with the fan base, and Texans organization for the way they have handled themselves and treated some of the former players and coaches.
At least the Raiders fans love their team win or lose. They do not cheer when players are injured, or boo the starting QB when he trots out there no matter who it is. Sure all fans bases have their boo birds, or fair weather band wagon riders, but Texans fans seem to have an over abundance of them, which is evident from the long line of players they have run out of town. A large portion of the fan base made Houston look really bad nationally last season with the jersey burning, fans showing up at the starting QB's house yelling obscenities, cheering an injury and so on. Even the Rams players were commenting on how cold blooded that was. "That's messed up man"
Now before you guys starting spouting off about how much money AJ has been paid, or how he is lucky to play a kids game for a career, etc. just ask yourself. Would you rather play in Oakland, or Cleveland where the fan base support their team win or lose, or the Texans where one slip, and you are public enemy #1? Personally I would take the other teams. Dan Marino was one of the best QB's in the history of the NFL. He never won a ring. Barry Sanders, Earl Campbell. The list goes on and on. Winning is not everything.
AJ is incredibly rich, and he does not have to put up with that kind of treatment from fans. And I do not want to hear how you have a right to do those things because you buy tickets or gear. Nobody forces you to watch the games or buy the gear. When you buy a ticket to a movie, you do not get to decide how it ends, or who gets the girl, and the same hold true in the NFL. In real life, sometimes the good guy does not get the girl, or beat the bad guys. If you do not like the product, stop watching, stop buying the gear, but give the angry fan schtick a rest.
It's not a very smart way to attract quality players or coaches to the Texans if they know they are going to be devoured by fans who think they have a right to behave as some Texans (and Oilers) fans have.
I think there is anger amongst some of the fans because Dre is beating them to the punch. Only they can run a player out of town, none can leave on their own terms, not even the great Andre Johnson.
Mark my words, if fans continue down this road, JJ Watt is next to leave, and this city will become a place quality players and coaches will avoid regardless of $$$'s offered. I know I would.
Sorry about going over the 140 character limit mindset that has infected this world. Many of you can just respond with TLDR and add to your post count. It seems to be the only thing that is really important to some of you anyway.
It will be very interesting to see how this plays out over the next few weeks.
As you were...
