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The Texans selected Ryan Griffin, a tight end from the University of Connecticut in the sixth round of the 2013 NFL Draft. Griffin, a 23-year old originally from Londonderry, New Hampshire started in Week 15 at Indianapolis. Earlier this week, he shared with HoustonTexans.com about his recent experiences.*
*Entry #1 *
I got to start on Sunday and it was everything I've ever asked for growing up. Guys in this locker room looking to me to make plays on the field being the starting tight end. That's exactly what I wanted to do. I made some mistakes out there but I'm learning and I'm ready to get after it this week.
Beginning in Week 1, I was on the field as a third tight end at times and also on special teams. The way it's worked out, I got to see what it was like, get a couple of plays here and there when Owen Daniels was healthy. Then he went down, so I got a couple more plays. And now that Garrett Graham is down, I'm right in there in the mix. I'm growing into it.
It'll be nice playing at home one last time. Other than the atmosphere, it's just being comfortable, knowing the schedule, knowing what hotel you're gonna be in. Everyone at home knows where I'm gonna be. So that's good. I like just being comfortable, that's really what it is.
To be honest, even though I might start, I'm preparing like any other week. I know the Broncos are the top of the class in the AFC. We're looking to knock them off. We don't have that much to play for in terms of Playoffs but we have a lot of pride in this locker room. We're out here for the fans and we need a win here.
I've started my Christmas shopping. I'm In the middle right now. It's the last place I want to go right but I'm headed to the Galleria. Hopefully I'm in and out but I'm almost done. My girlfriend works over in that area, so I'm over there quite a bit. I want to stay away from there this time of year, that's for sure.
I don't have too many people to shop for: maybe just my parents, my sister, my little nephew. Under ten people. Not too bad. As for me, I'm happy as a clam right now. I need a win, that's what I need.
Off the field on Thursday nights occasionally, we'll go out just as a tight end group. It's been fun. Obviously, O.D. has the connects here so he gets some pretty good meals here on Thursdays.
He interacts with everybody in the community. He's really looked upon as a leader. If I'm around half as long as he is, I would hope that people would do the same for me, and I'm looking to give back just like O.D. does.
He keeps his clothing and shoe hookups a secret, though. He comes in here looking amazing every day. Look at me, I'm a bum right now. So I got to get on his stylist. He's gonna hook me up some Jordans.
