The Houston Texans are your AFC South Division Champs. After joining the NFL 10 years ago, the Texans have renewed Houstonians’ thirst from a 10 year playoff drought, and the most obvious factor for the team is the defense.

Houston Texans OLB Connor Barwin shares similar characteristics individually as a member of that number one ranked defense. Last year Barwin went down early with a season ending injury. When asked his state of mind once he was informed that he wouldn’t be able to play he replied “I was shocked for about a week, but then I accepted it and turned my focus to my rehab.” Well, Barwin helped turn the game around this past Sunday during the second half against the Cincinnati Bengals with a sack that forced a fumble on rookie QB Andy Dalton. Barwin told me, “I felt like all the hard work paid off and I was finally where I was supposed to be.”

Although once he did return, Barwin had to make the change from defensive end to outside linebacker after the Texans hired new Defensive Coordinator, Wade Phillips. “I wouldn’t say it was easy, but certainly a very good switch.” He also added “outside linebacker is a position I hope to play for the rest of my career.” As far as the Texans’ beasty defense goes, Barwin said “I think Coach Wade Phillips deserves a lot of credit along with Johnathan Joseph and the other additions to our defense. The biggest thing is the 3-4 puts guys in position to make plays and that’s our success.”  (Wade Phillips) “Brought a great system and confidence that has rubbed off on all of his players,” Barwin said. He did assert that the team does “hold each other accountable and that’s why we are so good as a unit and team,” and noted that the most important thing that he has learned from Phillips is how to improve his pass rush.

While attending college at the University of Cincinnati, Barwin played tight end before moving to defensive end. He expressed “I miss catching touchdown passes, but OLB is by far my favorite position because it fits my skill sets the best.” Barwin definitely has the skills, and many quarterbacks that shall remain nameless can attest to this.

While away last season, he did return to UC to work on his History Degree which “was tough going back, but I know I have to get my degree,” but he plans to be in the NFL for a while, so Texans hopefuls can continue to hold the smile that comes with winning because Connor Barwin will be unleashing his inner bull for years to come. (Note to opposing offenses: you have a reason to worry.)

Connor Barwin is the most resilient man in Houston because he quickly bounced back after injuries; leading his team in sacks, earning the AFC Defensive Player of the Month, all the while his hair never missed a beat. Barwin offered, “I don’t wash my hair very much, but when I do I use St. Ives Creamy Coconut Shampoo.”

Written By Shardanna Jones @shaygotit