Hearing that phrase has become an annual tradition in H-Town every time the Texans’ season comes to a heartbreaking end.
Messages like these aren’t always delivered effectively. Sometimes they come off as scripted and other times you might have the right message, but fail to deliver it through words when the lights are on.
Here are three quotes that show O’Brien’s consistent stance on social issues during his time in H-Town.
Quote One
“I have no idea. I think we are all grown men… I support my players 100 percent.” – O’Brien on October 27, 2017
Quote Two
O’Brien after trading for wide receiver Kenny Stills, who has been outspoken about social issues, when asked about Stills potentially kneeling for the anthem:
“Relative to any social justice initiatives, you guys know that my history here with the Houston Texans is… I love the players, I have the players’ back, we communicate about those things… I support the players in social justice initiatives.” - O’Brien on September 2, 2019
Before the DeAndre Hopkins trade, the most controversial exit of a player during the O’Brien era was left tackle Duane Brown.
A lot of Brown’s disconnect with the organization had to do with his contract, but his beef with the social stance of the organization was also well-documented.
However, Brown has always made it clear that while he didn’t always see eye-to-eye with the higher-ups during his time in Houston, he had no issues with O’Brien. I have said this many times on the air.
Could I interest you in a quote?
Quote Three
Brown on Arian Foster’s podcast when asked about his beef with the Texans front office and who he specifically clashed with:
“The front office. Coaching staff, I rock with all the coaching staff there. O’Brien all them, those my guys.” – Brown on February 14, 2018
Is O’Brien the right coach and GM to lead the Texans toward taking that next step? I’m skeptical.
However, when it came to being the face of the franchise and delivering the message that needed to be delivered, O’Brien was the right man for the job.
And just like I have heard many times during the O’Brien era, it was the same ole Bill O’Brien. This time that was a good thing.