Catching up with former Texans tight end Joel Dreessen

Joel Dreessen understands what it takes to make a 53-man roster and what it’s like to be let go. He knows the anxiety that goes along with fighting for a roster spot.

In 2005, coming out of Colorado State, he was drafted in the sixth round by the New York Jets. While he played in 14 games as a rookie, he was ultimately released by the Jets and that led to being out of professional football for an entire season.

In 2007, Dreessen was signed by the Texans and he made the absolute most of the opportunity. He was a fan favorite on and off the field. And later, he thrived in Denver to close out his career.

It was very cool to catch up with Joel this morning.

Craig: Today, we're discussing the NFL's cut down day. As we chat, the Texans have just let go of C.J. Henderson. Teams are busy reducing their rosters to 53 players. It’s always a challenging time, isn’t it? Especially considering all the effort these athletes have put into training camp.

Joel: On my gosh, yes! I empathize with those guys. I played nine years in the NFL and four of those years I was sweating bullets on final cut down day. It is such a nerve-racking time. Even if you've had a good camp, you never know how the numbers are going to shake out by position and what the staff is thinking. I walked in circles, pacing for days a few times.

Craig: The man making those decisions is DeMeco Ryans. Did you know as teammates that he'd one day make a great head coach?

Joel: I actually had no clue. I had no idea he was interested in becoming a coach after his playing days. I just always took him for what he was, which was an extraordinary player with great leadership skills. He had a great understanding of the defense and what everyone's job was. I've crossed paths with him over the years at various practices and things and I'm just always so thrilled for him. His hiring has rallied us alumni for sure and we're all rooting for him and the Texans.

Craig: The excitement level here in Houston is at a fever pitch. It feels a little like that 2011 season where the city was energized and ramped up, you won the first AFC South title in franchise history that year, the first wildcard win. Do you see any similarities?

Joel: I actually think the Texans right now are way ahead of where we were back then. This year's team has a second-year head coach, a franchise quarterback who's still on his rookie deal which is an incredible asset to the salary cap, and they are positioned to not only win, but to make some significant noise in the playoffs.

Craig: Do you think C.J. Stroud in year two will be as good, even better or will defenses ultimately catch up and take away some of his play making ability?

Joel: I don't think the defenses will catch up. Players make their biggest jump from year one to year two. C.J. did some great things, but there were also some plays last year where he looked like a rookie. I'm just excited to see what he does. He’ll be even more dangerous this season because of the experience, the humility and the work that he's put in.

Craig: Talk about a position you know well, tight end of course. The Texans have some many weapons that guys like Dalton Schultz and Brevin Jordan sometimes are afterthoughts in this offense.

Joel: It's a good problem to have. They have a plethora of weapons and there's going to be times during the season where those big three receivers are locked up and you're going to need major production from Dalton and Brevin.

Craig: Finally, tell our readers what you're up to these days?

Joel: I live in Colorado, south of Denver. I have thirty-five acres and I also have a cattle ranch in Amarillo, Texas. I have a 14-year-old son and an 11-year-old daughter. I do ranching, parenting, investing, and a little coaching. I feel really blessed. I look back at my time in Houston and I sure do miss it. I cherish those years and friendships I made there.