Chris Myers' 100th consecutive start a testament to his preparation

HOUSTON -- Reminded of his ability so far in his career to avoid major injuries, Houston Texans center Chris Myers reached over to the wooden side of his locker and knocked on it.

That injury history, or lack thereof, is part of why Myers is approaching his 100th consecutive start with the Texans. Early in his career, Myers learned how important it was to take care of his body. He's nearly obsessive about it, and it's worked so far. Myers, 33, has the longest active streak of starts, regardless of team, among centers at 115 games.

"Any vet, any pro realizes that your body is kind of your career," Myers said. "If you want to be able to last a long time, you take care of it. I haven’t had any significant injuries, like I said, knock on some wood, but I think when you get the knick-knack ones, you’ve gotta take care of it."

Early in his career, Myers thought being in the training room was a sign of weakness. A former practice-squad member, he didn't want coaches to see him in there and think he was injury-prone. He later realized the appearance didn't matter -- the training room was a necessity for him.

Today, Myers begins the process of recovering his body each week on Mondays. He'll come into the facility an hour before anything the team schedules on Mondays to have enough time for some treatment for the soreness that comes the day after a football game. On Tuesdays, technically the team's off day, Myers goes in for some hot tub or cold tub time, any treatment he needs, and maybe some film work or an extra workout.

Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, days with full practices, he works on maintenance of whatever issues might crop up during the week.

Being 100 percent healthy during a regular-season week is difficult for a football player.

"It’s close to impossible," Myers said. "The older you get, I think the less chance you have of kind of getting back there. The older you get, the more you need to take care of your body and the more those little tiny injuries kind of linger throughout the season. But the more you’re in here and the more you kind of stay on top of them, the less hindrance they’re going to be on Sunday for you."

Myers even takes some of his treatment home.

He said: "If you can kind of implement that time in a regular day life, it’s a small sacrifice you have to pay to play on Sundays. To play the game that you love."


(espn.com)