Chorus grows in singing Ryans praises

DeMeco Ryans is so good and so consistent and so conscientious that about the only thing he doesn't get is attention. Sometimes we overlook those who are content to simply walk the walk.

He may have to settle for being admired by coaches and respected by teammates and for being one of the first players opposing coaches single out for praise. He may have to settle for being what the Texans would like all their players to be.

That he's among the NFL's best linebackers and the guy around whom the local football team has built its defense is no longer up for discussion. It's just fact.

"He never misses a day, never misses a rep," coach Gary Kubiak said. "His back was bothering him a little bit last week, and no one even knew. He went in there and played every snap. He might have played his best game. That's what he is."

Perhaps the most amazing part of this story is that Ryans has played just 19 NFL games. He was the defensive leader almost from the moment he stepped on the field as a rookie and has done nothing except get better. READ MORE