Antony Auclair is the first to admit that his first season with the Houston Texans was punctuated by ups and downs. But the 28-year-old Beauceron draws a positive balance sheet and, even if he is now without a contract for the next season, he is confident for the rest of his career in the NFL.
His association with the Texans, who signed him as a free agent in February 2021, got off to a bad start. The team cut him after training camp before making him a place in the training roster.
“It was kind of like a slap in the face because I had a great camp and good preseason games. So I was quite confident, ”recalled the player from Notre-Dame-des-Pins by videoconference on Monday.
But as COVID outbreaks continued to disrupt NFL roster activities — the Texans were particularly hard hit — Auclair eventually was in uniform for 16 of the team’s 17 games. Best known for his blocking skills, he took the opportunity to score his first career touchdown — an 11-yard pass from quarterback Davis Mills.
“It’s the highlight of my season. […] In my fifth season in the NFL, it was time for that to happen. I was able to keep the ball. And since Mills will probably become very good, I hope that ball will be worth a lot later. »
He also derives great satisfaction from having remained healthy throughout the season.
“In 2020, I dragged injuries throughout the season and I was not on top. I wanted to settle all that during the off-season, I surrounded myself with a team in Quebec and I paid attention to my nutrition. »
“The biggest achievement this year was playing in every game except one because of COVID. After missing a Super Bowl appearance the previous year due to injury, I had to prove to myself that I was capable of playing a full season. And since I didn’t have a guaranteed contract, I had to prove myself in every game. I showed that I surpass myself more in adversity. »
Mentoring role
After experiencing the excitement of a playoff run to winning the Super Bowl with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers the previous season, Auclair experienced the throes of a losing season, where the Texans had just four wins. But that didn’t stop him from enjoying the experience.
“It’s the equivalent of my debut with the Bucs in 2017. I was part of the organization when we were laying the first bricks, the foundations of the team. Of course, we remember 2020 with the arrival of Tom Brady, that of “Gronk” (tight end Rob Gronkowski), but the rest of the team is the one we had in 2018 and 2019 . »
“I like being part of a reconstruction. It’s difficult, it takes courage and determination. It’s a long process, but it’s something I appreciate. »
He also believes he has contributed to the development of many young Texans players.
“This year, I had personal objectives, but I also had collective objectives as a veteran in the sense of helping these young people to develop. I have a good relationship with Brevin Jordan — another tight end — and I hope I helped him in his development. It’s the same with Davis, he was sent off at the start of the season when Tyrod (Taylor) got injured. It was not easy, but the kid really evolved. I think the future for this youngster is bright. The recruits did well and, for me, it’s mission accomplished. »
As to whether he will continue the adventure with the Texans, Auclair is still unclear even though he had a conversation with general manager Nick Caserio and vice president of football operations Jack Easterby at the end of the season.
“Both told me that they were happy with my season and that we would remember in February or March. They didn’t go into detail. »
“For my part, after the season, I like to think about other things. I will dive back into it soon, noted Auclair, who believes to be at the best of his career. […] For now, I don’t really know. I like Houston, I would like to continue to be part of the reconstruction. I’m going to look at what’s going on with the team, with the coaching staff — the Texans fired head coach David Culley and offensive coordinator Tim Kelly. »
Back in Quebec since Thursday, he must observe a confinement of ten days, after which he will go to see his parents.