As Training Camp Looms, Time for Texans to Travel

The Texans 2008 training camp is just around the corner. Saturday, July 26, to be exact. And there is one thing that puzzles Houstonist. Why hold training camp in Houston? What's the benefit of that? Their fan base is here. It's not going anywhere anytime soon. It's time for Bob McNair to pack the Texans and put them on the move.

Why you ask? It's simple. Whether you like it or not, this state is Dallas Cowboys country and that's not going to change unless two things start to happen. First off, the Texans need to produce a winner. Not just a 9-7 team, but a playoff team that will catch this state's attention. And secondly, it's time to move training camp and get this team some exposure throughout this great football land we call Texas.

The Cowboys got it right. They've held training camp in Austin, Wichita Falls, San Antonio and heck, even in Oxnard, California. And this is all recent. There are new generations of young football fans coming into contact with this sport every year. And think of the impression it would make on a young kid going to his first Texans training camp in El Paso or Austin or Lubbock or in Beaumont as he watches Andre Johonson making a spectacular diving catch or watching Mario Williams throw around an offensive lineman as he makes a dash at the quarterback. These memories could make a lifetime Texans fan.

This is how the Texans can start taking their fare share of new fans. Why let Dallas have the majority of the new fan base? Do something about it, Mr. Bob McNair. As former Oilers head coach "Bum" Phillips once said, "Dallas Cowboys may be America's team, but the Houston Oilers are Texas' team." You want the Texans to be Texas' team, Mr. McNair? Then get this team out there. It does no good for a company to advertise it's product in one city. Maximum exposure means advertising in multiple cities and this is a football hungry state. Take advantage of the opportunity Mr. McNair.

Flickr photo: mrp1001's