Normally, a team would look to the draft to address its most pressing needs. For this team, the defense was the most pressing need to be addressed, but let’s be real — the Texans were highly unlikely to find a franchise-changing player in the third round or beyond. Rather, the Texans used their few middling draft picks to make a statement.

Starting with Thursday's series opener against the Angels, it appears the Astros have found their solution at the top of the lineup to replace George Springer, and, like Springer, it's another untraditional choice.

For the Clear Springs head football coaching job, we should look beyond career records because the key to further success there appears to lie in the intangibles. Time will tell if new hire Anthony Renfro possesses the right intangibles, but I certainly like his enthusiasm and energy.

The fortitude of this team should be celebrated. I wish them major congratulations on their feat, and the best of luck in their state semifinal match 7 p.m. Tuesday against Dripping Springs at College Station High School.

For the first time in more than a year, sports felt like they were truly on the comeback trail in Thursday’s Astros home opener.

Often when the good works of charitable individuals and organizations are reported, the numbers and the dollar figures are what’s discussed. But, the real story lies with the real people these donations assist.

Friday’s parade wasn’t some victory lap or a moment just to bask in glory. It was about celebrating an individual who never left Galveston, even when his opportunity to play college football and then professional football took him well across the causeway.

The, perhaps, wildest March Madness ever is just what the doctor ordered for the pandemic-weary sports fan.

After all the past 12 months has brought, I don’t think we’ll ever again take for granted the joy that sports can bring.

Unfortunately, most of our legends don’t get the storybook ending fans would hope for.

As a fan of Watt, whose tremendous contributions to Houston on and off the field are well documented, I’m happy to see he’ll have a chance to play his final NFL years with an up-and-coming team that actually has a chance to win many games — unlike the Texans, who are coming off a 4-12 season and appear to be on the path toward a lengthy rebuild.

I absolutely revel in game coverage, but I had no idea how taxing a stretch of six games in six nights would be. I was completely drained Sunday. But, would I do it again? In a heartbeat.

We didn't need any more reminders of how lucky we actually are. Then, came the freeze of last week that prevented most from even having the ability to watch sports on TV because of the fact electricity was lost because of an inferior electric grid infrastructure.

J.J. Watt's release from the Houston Texans wasn't an incredible shock, but it was bittersweet. The Texans are rebuilding, and a player the caliber of Watt deserves to play out the end of his career with a team in contention for a Super Bowl.

I’m taking history. I’m taking that Bucs defense. I’m taking the GOAT. I’m taking Galveston’s native son. I’m taking the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to win Super Bowl LV.

The fact that this is even a discussion when the team in question fired its GM and manager as a result of a sign-stealing scandal says everything about the current state of the Rockets and Texans.

When this drama is over, the Houston Texans might have a bright future if management doesn't screw up. Unfortunately, that's an "if" as big as NRG Stadium.

A Galvestonian earned the opportunity of a lifetime Sunday — a football Sunday that has meant much more than two dozen other Galveston natives over the years.