Rookie wide receiver Braxton Miller called it "a blessing" to be able to walk onto an NFL field for the first time.
It was also "different," adjusting to the speed and intensity of a practice under head coach Bill O'Brien.
"Coach Bill, he knows how to get it," Miller said. "He works his players and that's how we get in shape and how once it comes game time, we're in good condition. We just want to play hard every day we can."
The start of rookie minicamp began Friday at the Houston Texans Methodist Training Center. For the six drafted players, 15 undrafted players, and 16 tryouts, it was the first time they experienced practice as an NFL player.
"A lot different," wide receiver Will Fuller said. "I was a lot more comfortable with my system in college. I felt like the game was a lot slower in college. Right now, I've got a lot of catching up to do. The vets have been playing for countless number of years, so I've got a lot of catching up to do."
"Yeah, it's something different coming from Ohio," Miller said. "You've just got to hydrate, stretch and do extra stuff, cold tank and just see the trainers."
Head coach Bill O'Brien expects a lot out of the young players, but admits players have a full plate the first few days while they acclimate to the speed, the heat, a new system, and understanding how to be a professional.
"They have no idea yet what it means to practice the way we practice," head coach Bill O'Brien said. "It's not their fault. They're just out here for the first day. But we're off to a good start as far as teaching them the way that we do things and I think we're excited about this group."
The three-day minicamp included 44 players, including seven who had practice squad eligibility from last year, is a chance to prepare rookies for the upcoming organized team activities (OTAs) which will begin May 23. Rookie minicamp continues Saturday and Sunday.
See photos from the first day of Texans rookie minicamp on Friday.
