DENVER – Day one in Denver and it is another day at the office for Texans star defensive end J.J. Watt. The work never stops as Watt was putting in extra reps after practice on Tuesday.
Watt, like several other stars from the 2011 draft class is due a big contract extension. Holding out was and is an option but Watt said today that's not going to happen.
"When you look around the league and you can see some of the guys from our 2011 draft class getting new contracts it is really nice to see the apreciation that is being shown," he said. "In the new CBA I think the goal was to have players earn their pay.'
Watt, the 2012 Defensive Player of the Year has certainly earned his paycheck. He hopes the Texans will recognize what he has brought to the field.
"When a team gives a contract after the third year, they're saying, 'We think you've earned this.' And so, I don't know if they feel that way or not. But I sure hope I've put in all the work and I've put in everything I can do to hopefully earn it."
After practice Tuesday afternoon, Watt was as open as he's ever been about his contract status and was clear that he would like to get it done before the season opener Sept. 7 against the Redskins.
For now though, Watt is not involved in the negotiation process. But he added Tuesday that he will step into the process if and when it's necessary.
"I always try to put on the best face I can for this organization,and I'll always try and be the best ambassador I can be for the Houston Texans," Watt said.
Watt says he's in full football mode focused on this season and getting his defense ready.
Texans seek growth from trip to Denver
The Houston Texans are in Denver all week with head-to-head practices with the Broncos leading up to Saturday's game
Head coach Bill O'Brien says being on the road could help galvanize his squad.
"You have a chance to be together as a team," Bill O'Brien said after practice," he said. "We are in our hotel, and we have a great setup over at Inverness with a nice training room, dining room and staff room. Everybody has a room. It's a great deal."
On the field, there were good signs at practice as Andre Johnson, Arian Foster, Jonathan Joseph and linebacker Brian Cushing all took part in drills. It could be a positive step to their availability in Week 1.
"I can probably play in first game without doing any preseason," Cushing said. "But it's a new scheme and a new system. I want to get as many reps as I can."
Joseph, who has battled back from offseason foot surgery was happy to be back on the field again.
"I am just doing my job and being ready when my number is called," Joseph said. "Today, I just went out and took care of my technique and details and it went well."
The Texans also welcomed back right guard Brandon Brooks to the field. The Texans continue workouts Wednesday and Thursday against Denver. Their third preseason game is set for Saturday night.