When the offseason began, running back Steve Slaton didn't know what to do with all the free time he had on his hands. Last year at this time, he was coming off the NFL Scouting Combine and getting ready for his pro day at West Virginia. But it didn't take Slaton long to figure out what he wanted to do with his vacation.
"I haven't had this much time off since high school," Slaton said. "In college, it was two weeks and then you were back to the grind. It's definitely fun. I feel like during your rookie year you work for this offseason.
"I have been gotten to relax, spend time with my family and do all the little things that I couldn't do during the season."
Slaton certainly earned the break after putting together a season that earned him a NFL Rookie of the Year nomination. Last season, he topped all rookies with 1,282 yards rushing and scored 10 touchdowns.
{QUOTE}Slaton's breakout season prompted his hometown commissioner in Bucks County, Pa. to declare March 14 'Steve Slaton Day.'
"It was something big, something I'd been looking forward to," Slaton said. "But I didn't think it would happen at this time. I thought I would be old and retired before something like this happened. It's truly a blessing to have this."
Slaton visited his high school for the ceremony, giving a speech to a packed gymnasium and signing autographs for hundreds of fans who had watched rush for more than 6,000 yards and 73 touchdowns at Conwell-Egan Catholic High.
"I got a big reaction," Slaton said. "There were a lot of people proud and happy in my hometown about what I have done."
While he was away from Reliant Stadium, Slaton made sure to keep his finger on the pulse of the Texans and said he was excited about the team's offseason moves.
"I saw that the Texans got Antonio Smith from the Cardinals," Slaton said. "I watched him during the Super Bowl and he played well there. I think having him on the line with Mario (Williams) will make our defense that much better.
"I think (Dan) Orlovsky's been good. I think he'll be great with Matt (Schaub) and hopefully he can come in here and compete."
The Texans also have made moves during free agency to acquire a power running back to back up Slaton. They brought in Cedric Benson, who later re-signed with the Cincinnati Bengals to be their starter.
"I saw that Cedric Benson was here," Slaton said. "But I'm just waiting to see who they sign just like everybody else."
