Osweiler says he has better chance to win in Houston than Denver
When Brock Osweiler chose to sign with the Houston Texans instead of returning to the Denver Broncos, many assumed it was about money and respect.
Osweiler reportedly signed a four-year, $72-million contract with the Texans after the Broncos left him hanging in the negotiation process, as they waited for a retirement decision from Peyton Manning.
While those are valid reasons to sign with a new team, Osweiler says it wasn't about the money, any kind of animosity, or replacing a legend like Manning.
It was about winning.
"I have tremendous respect for both John Elway and Peyton Manning as people and as quarterbacks in the NFL, but I was not concerned one bit with playing in their shadow," Osweiler told Jenny Vrentas of MMQB.com. "That didn’t weigh into my decision whatsoever. Bottom line, I made my decision off where I felt like I could have the most success playing quarterback in the NFL and where I could go and win long term."
Despite Elway's stance that the Broncos only want players who want to be there, Osweiler is adamant that there is no bad blood between he and his former team.
"There is no grudge," said Osweiler. "I have tremendous respect for coach Gary Kubiak. I love that guy. In fact, I talked to him last weekend. He is a tremendous person, and he is a tremendous football coach. I have great respect for Greg Knapp, who was my quarterback coach in Denver for three years. He taught me so much about playing quarterback in the NFL and made me a better football player.
"John Elway, for giving me my opportunity for coming into the National Football League. I could probably stand up and have a press conference and thank 100 guys within that Denver organization, along with all those teammates I played with. So there is no grudge. I have nothing but love for my time I spent in Denver, and appreciation, and gratitude."
The true test to Osweiler's statement will come Monday, October 24th when he will return to Denver with his new team for a Week 7 battle.