Ex-Texans safety D.J. Swearinger set to face former team
Former Texans safety D.J. Swearinger, who returns to Houston this week as a member of the Tampa Buccaneers, said Wednesday he doesn't hold any hard feelings towards his old team.
Houston released Swearinger in May after being unable to trade him. The three-year veteran, who was a second-round pick by the Texans in 2013, was claimed by the Buccaneers.
“I believe everything happens for a reason,” Swearinger said, per the Houston Chronicle. “There’s a reason I came here and a reason they let me go. You have to make the most out of it, and that’s what I’m doing.
“I like the motivation. I’m an emotional player, but I’ll definitely keep my emotions intact and make sure I do my job.”
Swearinger has six tackles and forced fumble so far this season and has impressed his new teammates with his aggressiveness.
“Man, D.J. Swearinger, he is a head-buster,” Tampa Bay rookie quarterback Jameis Winston said. “If you need a definition on that, that means he will knock you out, coming downhill, making great tackles. He’s a very explosive player. You can’t leave none of your wide receivers hanging when he’s around.”
Swearinger started 23 games in two seasons for the Texans. Last year, he had 74 tackles with three forced fumbles and two interceptions.
"I’m sure it’s going to be a game that he’ll go out there and he’s going to try and play his best," Houston defensive end J.J. Watt said. "You know his style, he’s a fiery guy so I’m sure he’s going to want to prove something. It’s going to be a good competition from that aspect.”
(h/t Houston Chronicle)
