Arian Foster talks offseason workout, Texans changes

Texans RB back in the gym working out at Nine Innovations

HOUSTON – Local 2 Sports caught up with Houston Texans running back Arian Foster working out with other current and former teammates at the gym, Nine Innovations.

Foster said during this offseason of change, the biggest challenge for the 2014 season is finding ways to win.

"I think last year we found ways to lose," he said. "I think it's changing our mindset (for this year). If you believe in something wholeheartedly, it's contagious and everybody starts coming together as a team."

On Tuesday, Foster, Brooks Reed, Connor Barwin and other athletes were training with Foster's brother at Nine Innovations in the Galleria area.

"I think this is such a unique experience for an athlete because you really get all aspects," Foster said of Nine Innovations. "My brother's been training me since I got to the NFL. He's a big part of the reason I've had any success in the NFL."

Praising the good atmosphere at the gym, Foster said, "I've gotten better this offseason. This is a new place and I feel like once people see my game this year, you know, they're really going to take another look at this place."

Foster also said he hopes to get back to winning ways with wide receiver Andre Johnson wearing a Texans uniform.

Johnson's future with the Texans is uncertain. Reports say he has asked for a trade, but the Texans are unlikely to grant him his wish.

The 33-year-old Johnson has been a cornerstone for the Texans since his rookie year in 2003. Though he might not be a vocal leader, Foster says his presence in the Texans locker room is a positive.

"From a leadership standpoint, Dre doesn't talk," he said. "Just having him there, he's one of the GOATs. He's one of the best receivers to ever lace up his cleats."

To take it a step further, Foster told KPRC Local 2's Chester Pitts that Johnson embodies the city of Houston, and still has more star power than the city's younger sports standouts.

"He is Houston," Foster said. "I remember when I had my little run where I had like two back-to-back great seasons. I felt like this city loves me, they love me here. Everywhere I go, this is still Dre's city. I don't care if James Harden is walking around, Dwight Howard, whatever. This is Andre Johnson's city. He is Houston. That's what it means more than anything. He's been a staple here for so long."

The Texans went 2-14 in 2013, and have just three winning seasons in their 13-year history. The franchise has made the playoffs twice. With the lack of prolonged success, Foster says he gets why Johnson wants to play in a different uniform.

"I understand where he's coming from," he said. "I really do. This is a business and people forget that it's a business. He's at the point of his career where he doesn't want money now. He just wants to go win.

"Ultimately that's one of my friends outside the field. So I want him to do what's best for him. If he doesn't feel like playing anymore, he wants to hang it up then I'll support him. If he wants to come back and help us win, I'm all for that as well."

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