Slaton Understands History

When the Texans drafted Steve Slaton at the back-end of the third round, they were looking for that Brian Westbrook type of player.

They were looking for a guy that can run inside and outside as well as catch the ball with ease out of the backfield and out of the slot. Slaton also brings some potential as a dynamite kick and punt returner.

After a tremendous college career, Slaton comes to the Texans ready to contribute any way he can, but he is not remiss to forget what came before him.

Slaton visited the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio with a few other rookies and came back with a good perspective on players of the past. It’s something a lot of players still don’t quite comprehend, but Slaton looks to be exception.

"It’s very important to me," Slaton said of visiting Canton. "it’s one of the proudest moments of my life. You get to see the people that laid down the foundation to play football."

As a running back, you know Slaton has a soft spot for the backs that came before him. Of all the exhibits at the Hall, Slaton was inspired most by some of the legendary running backs.

"The Jim Brown, the Walter Payton, the Emmitt Smith and the breaking of the rushing record." Slaton said. "That’s one of the things I wanted to see and take some pictures of"

Slaton came into camp with a lot of optimism about what he can do with the Houston offense, but how can he be immortalized in Canton, next to Payton and Jim Brown? How will he follow the backs before him?

"Just the longevity in my career, that’s all."

It’s good to know Slaton has respect for the "old-school" even as a 22 year-old rookie.