The Texans began their voluntary offseason conditioning program on Monday at Reliant Stadium.
Defensive end J.J. Watt, quarterback Matt Schaub, wide receiver Andre Johnson, running back Arian Foster and defensive end Antonio Smith were among the many players who reported for a morning workout with Texans strength and conditioning coach Cedric Smith.
"We're really excited," Watt, the 2012 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, said. "Everybody's kind of been itching to get back together. It's good to see everybody, good to catch up, see how everybody's been doing. But most of all, we're all working towards one goal, and so we're excited to be back here and excited to be back and pursuing our goal."
Phase One of the offseason program lasts for two weeks. Workouts will be limited to strength and conditioning and physical rehabilitation. In Phase Two of the program, coaches will have three weeks to work with players in on-field drills before OTAs start on May 20.
The offseason workouts are voluntary, but the Texans typically have close to 100 percent attendance from all of their players under head coach Gary Kubiak.
"It feels like the end of freedom, but it's good to see all the boys' faces again," Smith, a nine-year veteran and team captain, said. "I think that's probably the best thing about offseason workouts is getting back with the boys and working out together. It builds the camaraderie.
"I want a Super Bowl, man. That's the bottom line... That's my dream. I know it's going to happen.
"We ain't trying to be the same or worse than we were last year. That means we've got to work that much harder this year."
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