Flying to London to play a regular season NFL game was strictly a business trip, according to players and head coach Bill O'Brien. But once the business of clinching a victory was complete, players had chance to celebrate with fans at Wembley Stadium.
"My experience in Europe, especially playing, it was amazing," Deshaun Watson said. "The fans, the energy, the vibes, just everything was awesome. Definitely was a great time. That's why at the end of the game a couple of the guys went to the fans, because they showed so much love and so much support and made us feel -- I know that Jacksonville was home, but made us feel at home too. So, we went up there and celebrated with them and it was a good time. It was awesome."
Following Sunday's 26-3 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, DeAndre Hopkins asked the security staff if they could open up a gate so that he and several teammates join the fans who were cheering in the stands. Hopkins, Watson and their teammates joined the crowd, gave high-fives, shook hands and took selfies with ecstatic fans.
"I'm not sure how many times I'll be back in London and I'm not sure how many times our fans will be back over here so I wanted to show them some love and support," Hopkins said. "It's not every day that we get to play in London and our fans can see us win. So that was all due to our fans being there and cheering us on."
Players were in awe of the outpouring of support from fans who traveled from Houston and all over the United Kingdom. To pay tribute to the iconic stadium and his love of soccer, Hopkins even attempted Cristiano Ronaldo's celebration after his own touchdown in the fourth quarter.
"It was great," Hopkins said. "I know you saw the celebration. Tried to do the Ronaldo. I don't think I nailed it. I probably got a 6 out of 10, but I tried."
The Texans improved to 6-3 on the season with the victory and will have a bye in Week 10. Houston will travel to Baltimore to face the Ravens on Sunday, November 17.
