Brock Osweiler was invited to visit the White House with the rest of the 2015 Denver Broncos to celebrate their Super Bowl 50 win with President Barack Obama. He’s respectfully declined the invitation. Instead of celebrating last year’s accomplishments he’ll be preparing with his new team, the Houston Texans, who have OTAs going on Monday.
“The Broncos graciously extended an invitation for me to join them at The White House on Monday, but due to a scheduled OTA in Houston, I feel it is important to be at practice with my new teammates,” Osweiler said, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. “It’s a new offensive system for me and every practice and rep is extremely important. I am very appreciative of the Broncos wanting to include me on this special day.”
Houston must be feeling very good about its investment right now. Since signing the young quarterback to a four-year deal worth $72 million, Osweiler has said and done all the right things. He’s even made a point of crediting his professionalism to Peyton Manning, whom he learned under for a few years in Denver.
Saying and doing all the right things during OTAs is one thing. Executing on the field when the bodies start to fly later this summer and into the fall is quite another.
Osweiler has a ton of pressure on his shoulders to live up to the contract he was given. The Texans have a chance to become a league force with a potent offense to pair with their playmaking defense.
With that in mind, he’s making the right decision to abstain from a moment in the spotlight reminiscing about last year. The past is already gone. What’s next is everything.