Aireontae Ersery has a clear goal in his first season with the Houston Texans.
Houston's second-round pick and new offensive lineman isn't particularly invested in accolades or praise from the media or even his coaches. Instead, last year's Big 10 Offensive Lineman of the Year enters the NFL with a mission statement he shared on Friday.
"I take pride in protecting my quarterback."
Ersery, the former Minnesota Gophers standout and the No. 48 overall pick in last month's 2025 NFL draft, isn't blocking for a run-of-the-mill quarterback in his first season of professional football.