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Brian Barefield

Stories by Brian

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Setting the Standard

Texans Offensive Lineman Laremy Tunsil Wants To Be Example For Younger Players

After signing a three-year $66 million contract extension last week with the Houston Texans, offensive lineman Laremy Tunsil became the highest paid player at his position in the NFL. Did the money play a major factor in him getting the deal done? Yes. But Tunsil had another strong motive on why he wanted to set the market for offensive lineman.

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Two Prairie View A&M Panthers Sign UDFA Deals With The Green Bay Packers

The end of the 2020 NFL Draft did not stop two players from Prairie View A&M University from fulfilling their dreams of making it to next level. Quarterback Jalen Morton and tight end Jordan Jones signed with the Green Bay Packers as undrafted free agents.

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Best Unkept Secret

Texans Sign Undrafted Free Agent Scottie Phillips

The Houston Texans signed undrafted free agent running back Scottie Phillips at the conclusion of the 2020 NFL Draft. The former Ole Miss standout will be a steal if he can contribute on special teams while learning the Tim Kelly led offense.

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Underdog Mentality

Texans Make DT Ross Blacklock Their First Selection In The 2020 NFL Draft

The Houston Texans filled a desperate need on Friday by selecting defensive lineman Ross Blacklock out of TCU with their 40th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. The former Big 12 Co-Defensive Freshman of the Year for the Horned Frogs had a very productive 2019 season where he earned First-Team All-Big 12 honors while controlling the defensive side of the ball for TCU.

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Protecting the Blind Side

Texans sign Left Tackle Laremy Tunsil To Three-Year Extension

The Houston Texans have made it clear since the 2017 NFL Draft that their number one priority is to keep their star quarterback, Deshaun Watson protected while he is out on the field. Today they showed Watson how much they value him by coming to terms with left tackle Laremy Tunsil.

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HOUSTON TEXANS Go Into NFL Draft With One Position Solidified

Over the past couple of years, there have been two things that didn’t go together when Texans fans talked about the upcoming season. Consistency and the offensive line were never men- tioned in the same sentence. Well that has changed and no matter what the feel- ings are towards the moves head coach and General Manager Bill O’ Brien has made this offseason, one thing he has finally solidified is the offensive line.

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Tight End Rob Gronkowski Comes Out of Retirement to Join Former Teammate Tom Brady In Tampa

Well, Patriots fans. I have some good news and some bad news.

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WNBA Makes Payton Chester, Alyssa Altobelli, and Gianna Bryant Honorary Picks in 2020 Draft

In what will be hailed as one of the classiest moves ever done by a professional sports league, the WNBA announced that they would make Payton Chester, Alyssa Altobelli, and Gianna Bryant honorary picks in this year’s draft being held Friday.

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Running Back David Johnson Holds First Press Conference As A Houston Texan

Newly acquired running back David Johnson met the Houston sports media for the first time on Friday. Just like head coach Bill O’Brien did a day earlier, Johnson talked to reporters via the Zoom app from his home.

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Texans Coach Holds Pre-Draft Press Conference to Address Hopkins Trade and Team Needs in the 2020 NFL Draft

A lot has transpired since we last heard from Houston Texans head coach and General Manager, Bill O’ Brien. In what has become the new normal in the sports world due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, coach O’Brien held a pre-draft press conference and answered questions from the media via the Zoom app. The audio also streamed out to the fans through the Texans social media pages so that they could hear his responses in real time.

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The Milk Man Delivers Again

Houston Texan J.J. Watt named to NFL 2010 All-Decade Team

Houston Texans fans finally have a reason to smile again. After being disgruntled and disappointed over the DeAndre Hopkins trade to Arizona, they learned on Monday that three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, J.J. Watt was named to the NFL 2010 All-Decade Team.

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Former Houston Comet Becomes the First African American Woman to Coach Men's College Basketball

Former WNBA star Becky Hammon made headlines back in August of 2014 when she became the first full time female coach in NBA history for the San Antonio Spurs. Some will say she blazed the trail for the female coaches behind her, as a record number 11 women are currently on staff with other NBA teams around the league.

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Ex-NFL Quarterback Tarvaris Jackson Dies in Single Car Accident

Former NFL quarterback Tarvaris Jackson died at the age of 36 in single-car accident after his vehicle struck a tree Sunday night in Alabama.

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Astros Foundation Makes $100,000 Donation to Alex Bregman's FeedHou Campaign

Houston Astros All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman received a $100,000 donation from the Astros Foundation to go towards his FEEDHOU fundraising campaign which benefits the Houston Food Bank.

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XFL Has No Plans For 2021 Season After Suspending Operations and Laying Off Employees

And just like that. It’s gone. Even with all the fanfare and major television backing, the XFL is no more. According to Field Yates from ESPN, the XFL is suspending all day-to-day operations and all league employees have been laid off. He spoke with XFL CEO Jeff Pollack who informed him of the decision.

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Texans Send Second-Round Draft Pick to The Rams In Exchange for Wide Receiver Brandin Cooks and 2022 Draft Pick

The Houston Texans are in the process of trading their second-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft to the L.A. Rams for wide receiver Brandin Cooks and a fourth-round pick in the 2022 draft according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network.

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Team First: Texans head coach/general manager Bill O’Brien reveals why the team traded DeAndre Hopkins to Arizona.

One thing I have learned by being born and raised in Texas is that we are a proud group of people who wear our emotions on our sleeves. You never have to worry about how we feel towards you because our facial expressions tells it all.

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Meet The Press: Texans free agent wide receiver Randall Cobb holds a press conference

The Coronavirus pandemic has altered the sports world and caused it to adjust in some very unconventional ways unseen by the sports media. Newly acquired Texans wide receiver, Randall Cobb held his press conference via teleconference instead of in person with local sports media last week.

Astros Foundation Deliver Critical Medical Supplies to Texas Medical Center During COVID-19 Pandemic

The Astros Foundation, in partnership with Crane Worldwide, made a major announcement on Wednesday. They will be providing funding, logistics and transportation support to deliver medical equipment to those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in Houston.

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Can’t Take the Memories

Roughnecks season cut short due to coronavirus

The sports world has suffered some major setbacks during this coronavirus pandemic. For the first time since 1939, there will be no men’s champion in NCAA postseason, also a first for women since the NCAA began hosting that tournament in 1981-82. There also won’t be any spring sports (baseball, track & field, softball, etc.) in high school or college athletics this year. It affects the high school seniors the most because those who participate in spring sports lost their senior seasons to showcase their talents that could have earned them a college scholarship.

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Shut Down

NBA suspends season until further notice after player tests positive for Covid-19.

The NBA has taken the necessary steps to shut down its season "until further notice" after Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert tested presumptive positive for COVID-19 aka Coronavirus on Tuesday. According to league statement, the result was reported prior to tipoff of the Jazz vs Thunder game at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City.

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Battle Buddies

Rockets bench has been biggest issue in the four-game losing streak

One of the first things the Army teaches you is how to support your battle buddy (other soldiers). No matter what happens you should always have your buddies back especially during adversity. The seventh line in the Soldiers Creed explains it best:

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Defense Wins Championships

Roughnecks defense shuts down Renegades offense to stay undefeated

Legendary Alabama coach Paul “Bear” Bryant once uttered the most prophetic and timeless cliché’s in sports history. “Offense sells tickets, but defense wins championships,” said Bryant.

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David Vs Goliath

Rockets small ball lineup faces tough test versus Clippers big men

Tonight’s matchup between the Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Clippers is a must see as it could potentially be a preview of the 2020 Western Conference Finals. Yes, you did read that right. I believe that these two teams may see each other down the line to determine who will represent the Western Conference in the Finals.

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Hulk Swag

Rockets avenge bad losses during current five-game winning streak

If you are familiar with the old television show, “The Incredible Hulk” which was derived from the comic book by the same name. You know that the basis of the show is about a physicist named Dr. Robert Banner who is a mild-mannered, law-abiding citizen who lives a normal average everyday life.

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Three Is the Magic Number

Roughnecks stay undefeated by defeating the Vipers 34-27

You know every now and then I like to let you all in on just how old I am. Yes, I remember using a house phone, listening to a cassette tape, watching a VCR, and I even remember when Michael Jackson’s multi-platinum hit Thriller was first released. I wouldn’t say I was old, but it does take me a minute to get up and out of the bed nowadays.

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Micro Ball

The Houston Rockets are making a lot of sports media personalities bite their tongues and clean their Twitter feeds of the negative things they have said about how this small lineup and the lack of a big man in the middle would cause the Rockets to lose a lot of games. Even with all the pessimistic views being spread on the airwaves and social media, the Rockets continue to thrive with a group where sometimes the biggest person on the court is newly acquired 6’8 forward Jeff Green.

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Major Announcement

The Houston Roughnecks have exceeded all expectations in the XFL

Ok listen up because I have a major announcement to make. *Taps mic* “Football fans in the city of Houston and surrounding areas. The XFL Houston Roughnecks are good. I mean really good!” *Drops mic*

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Rockets Head Into All-Star Break With a Positive Mindset for the Future

When starting a new job, there is always a 90-day probation period that let employers evaluate employees and see if they are the right fit for the job. They look at everything from attendance to the ability to get along with co-workers. Not one thing is left out when an employer is determining permanent employment.

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Something to Cheer For

Roughnecks defeat the Wildcats in front of large home crowd.

In the song, “Welcome to Houston” by famous rapper Slim Thug. There are two lines that stand out by another famous rapper (Z-Ro) that encapsulates the mantra of the city. Midway through the song, Z-Ro bellows out these words with pride in his voice:

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XFL: Roughnecks Defeat the Wildcats

Roughnecks defeat the Wildcats in front of large home crowd.

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Houston Roughnecks 2020 XFL Season

Houston Roughnecks begin their 2020 XFL season on Saturday at TDECU Stadium.

“For The H”

Houston Roughnecks begin their 2020 XFL season on Saturday at TDECU Stadium

It has been almost a month since the Texans lost in the divisional round to the eventual Super Bowl champions, Kansas City Chiefs. Normally it would take a complete cycle of OTA’s and training camp for the football fans in Houston to get over the loss. Most fans would start looking over the list of free agents that would be available and hoping that new general manager and head coach Bill O’Brien would bring in players to improve the team. Anything to help pass the time until the first game of the 2020 NFL season.

Small Giants

Rockets Go On Winning Streak Using Small Ball

Houston Rockets go on winning streak using small ball.

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Rockets Trade Clint Capela, Gerald Green and Nene’ for Robert Covington and Jordan Bell

Houston – In a mega four-team trade that included 12-players, the Houston Rockets have parted ways with center Clint Capela, forward Gerald Green, and back-up center Nene’. The Rockets acquired forwards Robert Covington and Jordan Bell from the Minnesota Timberwolves along with the Atlanta Hawks 2024 second-round pick via the Golden State Warriors.

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Mamba Out

NBA Icon Kobe Bryant and eight other passengers pass away in early morning helicopter crash in California.

I remember it like it was yesterday. June 25, 2009, I was standing in the checkout line at the Shopette in Fort Jackson, South Carolina. In my basket were candy, chips, and other products I had been tasked to get for the rest of the soldiers that were in basic training with me. Was I supposed to be there? No. But we can talk about that at a later date. As I stood in line trying not to be seen by the drill sergeants, my eyes happened to catch a glance at what was being shown on the television. Pop Icon and music legend, Michael Jackson, had passed away due to health complications.

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Hustle Hard

Rockets get back to the basics during their current winning streak.

“We haven’t played well in a couple of weeks,” said Rockets head coach Mike D’Antoni after losing to the Los Angeles Lakers last Saturday. “The only way you can get out of it is to play hard, put your head down and go forward. We can get out of this.”

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The Stars At Night Are Big And Bright

Houston Athletes shine at the third annual Houston Sports Awards

On a cold and breezy night, some of Houston’s elite came out to heat up the red carpet as the third annual Houston Sports Awards were held in downtown Houston. Many great athletes such as Oilers legend Warren Moon, Olympic Gold medalist Simone Biles, University of Texas legend Vince Young and many others were in attendance. Also attending the event were Houston’s rap royalty Bun-B, Slim Thug, and Paul Wall.

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When Adversity Hits

Rockets look for ways to improve after losing 4 out of 5 games.

Sometimes in the midst of trying to find yourself and come to a point of peace and tranquility, you lose yourself to adversity. There will be some trials and tribulations that will come before you can finally reach that place in your life where no problem is worth stressing over.

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NFL Championship Weekend

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness,” excerpt from a Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens.

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The Comeback 2

Houston brings back old memories for Oiler fans after losing to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Divisional Game 51-31

In 1996, Bud Adams decided that his time was up here in Houston and moved the team to Tennessee. He had been battling the city for a new stadium and when he didn’t get it, he loaded the U-Haul truck and headed to Nashville. In that truck was all the team history that had accumulated over the years since the team became a charter member in the American Football League in the 1960s.

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Significant Change

Houston heads back to Kansas City looking for the same results from Week 6

Most people can look back at any point in time and remember a significant event that has changed their lives. Whether it be the birth of a child or being the first in the family to graduate college. Events like that are what you look back on as you succeed in life.

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Ghost of Playoff Past

Texans look to help some former Oilers fans get over the hurt of the 1993 loss to the Buffalo Bills in the playoffs

On Saturday at NRG Stadium, the Houston Texans will do their best to try and bring a small amount of peace to some of the drama lifelong Houston Oilers fans have had to endure since the 1993 NFL Wildcard Playoff weekend. Most of them can tell you where they were and exactly what they were doing on January 3, 1993.

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Some Habits Are Hard to Break

Texans become back-to-back AFC South Champs with a 23-20 win over the Tampa Bay Bucs

Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson approached the podium at his post-game press conference with a smile on his face that displayed joy and pain.

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Controlled Aggression

Russell Westbrook energy on the court makes the Rockets a contender in the West.

Most fans in Houston were expecting some bumps in the road to start the 2019-20 season when the Rockets acquired former NBA MVP and energizer bunny, Russell Westbrook, this past offseason via trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Houston had endured that form of misery when they acquired future NBA Hall of Famer, Chris Paul two seasons ago from the Los Angeles Clippers. Last season they were counted out by the national media when at one point they dwelled at the bottom of the Western Conference before James Harden turned their season around with a plethora of 50-point scoring performances.

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The Trifecta

Three Houston Texans selected for the 2020 NFL Pro Bowl

After it was all said and done, and the votes were tallied up. Three Houston Texans offensive weapons were selected to the 2020 NFL Pro Bowl. Quarterback Deshaun Watson, wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, and left tackle Laremy Tunsil will represent the Texans in Orlando, Florida. This is the 16th-consecutive season that Houston has had at least one player selected.

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The Buck Stops Here

There is an old phrase that has been used throughout the time that goes, “The buck stops here.” The meaning of that phrase is associated with the responsibility for something that cannot or should not be passed to someone else.

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Battle for the Top Spot

Texans look to break the tie against the Tennessee Titans

The Houston Texans (8-5) are preparing for an all-out brawl on the field this week against the Tennessee Titans (8-5) in an AFC South matchup that has playoff seedings on the line. The losing team will be fighting for a wildcard spot in a crowded AFC division where some teams that are under .500 are still in contention to make the postseason.

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Thankful: Texans give fans a reason to be thankful after dominating the Patriots 28-22.

Thanksgiving came a little late this year in the city of Houston. Even though families gathered on November 28th to celebrate the holiday, fans in Houston gathered on the 1st of December to show their appreciation and thanks to the Houston Texans. The team reciprocated that love by defeating the reigning Super Bowl Champions, New England Patriots 28-22 in a prime-time Sunday night game played on NBC at NRG Stadium in front of a crowd of over 72,000 people in attendance.

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Looking to Make a Statement

Houston must defeat the Patriots to put the rest of the AFC back on notice

The Texans' upcoming game against the New England Patriots (10-1) this week is more than just a regular season game at NRG Stadium. No. This is the third and final “Statement Game” for the AFC South leading Texans. Houston (7-4) is currently the third seed in the AFC division and need this win to stay above the Indianapolis Colts, a team they defeated last week by a score of 20-17.