Houston Texans’ Kris Boyd excited about upcoming NFL season

By Elwyn Henderson

The Houston Texans began their 2024 Training Camp at the Methodist Training Center across from NRG Stadium on Kirby Street Thursday, July 18, and former Gilmer Buckeye star Kris Boyd began his sixth season in the NFL as one of the 48-man roster from the Texans.

The Mirror had a chance to catch up with him after the first practice to talk about his personal goals for this year, the Gilmer Buckeyes, and Coach Alan Metzel.

We began by asking him how he felt going into Camp to prepare for the upcoming season.

“I’m excited, you know. I’m ready to see how we put it together and pick up where we left last year. It didn’t end the way we wanted, but we outdid ourselves. I’m ready to see how this plays out. Everybody’s got expectations, but we know at the end of the day it’s what we come out here and do. We’re just building. We got to first base and now we’ll see how we continue to learn and build from there.”

We asked Kris about Coach DeMeco Ryans, and he said, “I love (De)Meco and his passion because he was a former player and his mentality. It’s kind of what you want out of a coach as well. The way he’s involved with his players is great. He was in our position (cornerback) once. He knows what it takes. Every day he’s coming in and he’s breathing life into his players, and that’s something you want because that’s a coach that you want to play for and you don’t have a problem going out there and giving it your all on the field. I appreciate him, you know, and like I said, he’s a coach you want to play for and I don’t mind whatever he asks of me.”

Next, we asked what his personal goals for himself were this year, and he responded, “My goal is to be the best team player that I can be and help this team get to the main goal. You know everybody wants a Super Bowl. My mentality is I want to win every rep and then go to the next rep. I want to be better than I was the last play or yesterday. Being here is a blessing itself. I’m appreciative and I take advantage of everything, and life itself. I’m just thankful, man. I just really want to be a great teammate, a great player, a great man, and I hope that everyone can see it and what comes with that. That’s what God wants for me, so I’ve got to take that and be appreciative and thankful.”

We then switched gears and told Kris that Legacy was the Gilmer Buckeyes’ 2024 motto and that he was certainly part of that legacy and he thanked us for pointing that out. We asked what he would say to the 2024 Gilmer Buckeyes as they attempt to defend last year’s Class 4A Division II State Football Championship.

“Take advantage of your opportunity man. Love your teammates, play with togetherness and closeness. Eliminate all selfishness, man. That will get you further than anything. When you eliminate being selfish and give it your all, you’re not worried about yourself and you’re willing to do what it takes. Y’all are in position to win another State Championship. That’s what Legacy is, man. When you’re selfless, people remember that. Be consistent and show up the same person every day, no matter what it takes. It’s not easy, it’s hard, but that’s what comes with being great and having a legacy. Take advantage of the opportunity, you know. Football isn’t forever, but while it’s here, enjoy it. Most of all, I’ll tell y’all to have fun and give thanks to God. Y’all pray before you go out there on the field and y’all pray after. Really hone in on that because no matter what you say or believe, at the end of the day there’s someone watching over us and blessing us with these opportunities. I’ve got faith in y’all boys like I had faith in you last year. When I’m back in town I’m always going to show my face because I love y’all guys. I know what you’re going through. I was there before, and y’all could also be here in my shoes. Keep faith and don’t let anybody tell you what you can’t do. Just be yourself.”

We concluded our visit by asking Kris what he would like to say to Coach Alan Metzel, and his answer showed just how mature a man he has become.

“Coach Metzel, I love you. You believed in me since the day you met me, whether I was a knuckle-head or not! You had patience and you were selfless. You knew what it took and you had patience with me. You groomed me; you and Coach Traylor, Coach Canady. I can’t forget you guys. Coach Turner, you got on me and told me some things that I needed to hear. Really man, I just want to tell Coach Metzel that I love you! I appreciate you because I know for a fact the impact you had on me is also part of what got me here today. It was more than coaching and whether that was some steps you took as roles of a father figure and helping me and telling me things that I needed to hear growing up as a child. I want to say thank you and congratulations on the State Championship. You’re more than deserving. Go get another one coach—love you!”

Everyone in Gilmer is rooting for Kris to have a breakout year and his attitude going in certainly looks like is going to pay the price to make that happen. Have a great 2024, Kris!