Texans running back Mark Ingram II spent two seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, where first-year head coach David Culley was on staff.
So when the Texans expressed interest in signing Ingram as a free agent, the 11-year pro and former Heisman Trophy winner was excited to join the squad.
Ingram wanted to be somewhere he felt wanted, and they Culley connection made it an easier decision, he said.
Culley was an encouraging, positive influence for Ingram in Baltimore.
"I know what he's about. I know what type of man he is," Ingram said of Culley, whose coached 27 years in the NFL and was the Ravens' wide receivers coach in 2019-2020.
"Just to be able to go play for him and help him out here in Houston was a great opportunity, something I'm excited about."
So much of the commentary on Culley focuses on his energy and personality. Rarely is there much said for his football acumen from an X's and O's standpoint.
After Ingram spoke with reporters Wednesday afternoon, he joined Clint Stoerner and "The Show."
He was asked about Culley's best trait as a coach, and what Texans fans might expect from him.
Culley's best trait, according to Ingram, is his ability to get the most out of his players.
"He's very knowledgeable about the game of football," Ingram said. "He holds his players and he holds his team to the highest standard possible. Every time he addressed his wide receivers, it was to be the best. Every time he addressed our offense, or our team, he held us to the high standard. His presentation to us, the information he gave, it was in-depth and it was detailed.
"He's a student of the game. He wants to help his players have the tools necessary to win the battle on the field. The techniques it takes, the defenses, the coverages, the offenses, the adjustments you have to make, he's very knowledgeable and detailed in that part of the football game. He's a great person. He's down to earth. He's going to hold his players accountable and he's going to love his players, genuinely."
Listen to Ingram with Clint and The Show here: