Houston Coach DeMeco Ryans Says Faith in Jesus Has Been an Anchor for the Team

Michael Foust

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By Michael Foust, Crosswalk.com

The coach of the Houston Texans team that has won eight straight and clinched a playoff spot says faith in Jesus has been a cornerstone of the team.

Houston coach DeMeco Ryans spoke about that faith after the Texans’ 20–16 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers Saturday, a game in which Houston built a 20–10 lead and then held off a late rally.

Houston started the season 0-3 but is now 11-5.

“The light is shining bright on the Texans, but that light is really reflective of our guys’ belief in … our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ,” Ryans told a room full of reporters during a postgame news conference. “That's what's driven our team. I'm so proud of our guys and thankful to the Lord for allowing us to allow our lights to shine through Him. All praise and honor goes to Him.”

The Texans opened the season with high expectations but stumbled early, looking far from a playoff team in early November when they fell to 3–5 after a loss to Denver. Since then, Houston has won every game and carries significant momentum into the postseason. The Texans likely will begin the playoffs on the road as a wild card team. They close the regular season against Indianapolis on Sunday.

The season’s turning point, Ryans said, came Nov. 9 in a 36–29 victory over Jacksonville, when backup quarterback Davis Mills stepped in for C.J. Stroud, who was in concussion protocol.

“That's the game that flipped our season and just showed us – no matter what we're up against, no matter who's on the field, if we stay together, stay connected, we can overcome anything,” he said.

 

Although Stroud is the team’s most visible Christian because of his role at quarterback, others – including defensive lineman Will Anderson Jr. and defensive back Myles Bryant – have also spoken openly about their faith. In January, an article in the Houston Chronicle detailed the team’s weekly chapel service, which is attended by roughly 40 members of the organization.

Ryans opened up about his faith during a recent interview with Christian hip hop artist Lecrae.

“You can still bring the intensity and fire by being a Christian man,” Ryans said. “It's all about how you talk to people. I'm not the old-school coach that's cursing guys out. Number one, guys don't respect that. And I feel like it's kind of disrespectful to the players. I never want to disrespect the players. I'll tell guys the truth. That's one thing I tell [them] – I'm going to be truthful, but I'm going to be respectful. You may not want to hear that truth, but it's my job to tell you anyway. … And I think the players resonate with that.”

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NFL Stars Bryce Young, Bijan Robinson, Drake Maye Put God First in Postgame Interviews

Photo Credit: ©Getty Images / Kevin Sabitus / Contributor

Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel. 

Listen to Michael's Podcast! He is the host of Crosswalk Talk, a podcast where he talks with Christian movie stars, musicians, directors, and more. Hear how famous Christian figures keep their faith a priority in Hollywood and discover the best Christian movies, books, television, and other entertainment. You can find Crosswalk Talk on LifeAudio.com, or subscribe on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an interview that will be sure to encourage your faith.

This content first appeared on Crosswalk.com and is used here with permission. To view the original visit: https://www.crosswalk.com/headlines/contributors/michael-foust/houston-coach-demeco-ryans-says-faith-in-jesus-has-been-an-anchor-for-the-team.html
 

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