Cheers on Rockets

VIDEO of MECO at the GAME    SLIDESHOW

When the Texans exited the field after defeating the Cleveland Browns in their last game of the season, DeMeco Ryans probably thought he was going to have some time off.

It hasn’t exactly worked out that way. Just days after finishing a rookie campaign that saw him lead the NFL in solo tackles, Ryans was named Defensive Rookie of the Year.

It shouldn’t have come as a surprise to Ryans, he was a clear cut winner, securing the award with one of the largest margins in the history of the award. But beginning with a press conference last Wednesday at Reliant Stadium to announce the honor, Ryans has had quite the schedule for a player supposedly in his offseason.

Wednesday night he took in the Rockets game at Toyota Center and was recognized with an ovation from the sellout crowd.

“They just asked to me come out and congratulate me for winning rookie of the year,” Ryans said shortly before tip.

The Rockets certainly didn’t try to hide him, providing him with the best seats in the house, midcourt, on the floor. READ MORE