The one factor colder than the temperature in Kansas Metropolis on Sunday evening would be the reception that the Houston Texans get within Arrowhead Stadium. Effectively, that is at the very least relevant to 51 of the 53 gamers on Houston’s roster, however for 2 first-year Texans, there’ll at the very least be a more-sizeable-than-expected contingent of followers within the stands braving the wintery climate in KC.
Aireontae Ersery and Jaylin Noel, a pair of rookies chosen within the 2nd and third rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft respectively, could have the chance to play in a stadium they every grew up going to and dreaming up taking the sphere in, with Ersery a local of Ruskin Heights and Noel rising up in Park Hill.
As is customary when returning to your hometown, each Ersery and Noel are planning on having a whole lot of family and friends members attend the sport, making up what must be a really vocal minority within one of many league’s loudest and most storied stadiums.
“Very thrilling second for me, surreal to have the ability to play to play in a stadium I grew up going to video games too, and simply understanding that I’ll have household there cheering me on,” Noel mentioned, per Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 Houston. “It’s gonna be a really cool second. Just about anyone that’s in my shut circle are going to be there.”
That shut circle, in line with Wilson, consists of Jaylin Noel’s mom, grandmother, fiancee, and family residing in Eire who’re coming again to the states for the sport.
“The environment there’s loopy,” Noel mentioned. “It’ll be enjoyable to play in. It’s nice. I’m going again house. Anytime I’m capable of make an impression on the sport, it’s particular.”
Not like Jaylin Noel, who has visited Arrowhead as a spectator quite a few instances, and performed there on a handful of events throughout school, this may mark the primary journey to the Chiefs house stadium for Aireontae Ersery.
“I do know it’s going to be loud,” Ersery mentioned. “Get mentally prepared for that. It’s fairly cool, man. I’ve by no means truly been to a Chiefs sport in-person. I’ve at all times watched them on TV. To go there and be within the stadium and play within the stadium, it’s a full-circle second.”
Whereas there is no assure that any balls will come within the path of Jaylin Noel, the presence of Aireontae Ersery will likely be felt each single play of the sport, as he stepped in and has served as Houston’s beginning left deal with since coaching camp started. He’ll not solely be tasked with retaining CJ Stroud’s blindside protected, but in addition in making certain that Houston’s speeding assault does its half in making life simpler for Stroud.
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