Houston Texans running back Arian Foster is second in the NFL in rushing with 766 yards and is averaging 109.4 rushing yards per game. It is one of the best starts to his career and a big reason why the Texans are 4-3 despite some shoddy defense and inconsistent quarterback play.
But the gaudy numbers aren't what make Foster feel proud. What he enjoys is proving doubters wrong. At this time last year, Foster had plenty of doubters following back surgery that ended his season. The Texans were probably one of them.
"Just being 100 percent honest, they'll probably tell you, 'We knew you were going to come back strong,' but they were probably like, 'This might be it,'" Foster said.
Foster struggled through three separate injuries early last season: a calf injury, a hamstring injury and the back injury that ended his season. The Texans subsequently finished 2-14 and fired coach Gary Kubiak. Coming into this season, it was a restart for Foster as well as the franchise.
"Just knowing you're back in that rookie mode where you have to prove yourself to a new coaching staff, you have to prove yourself to your teammates and you have to prove yourself to yourself, all of that combined, when I feel like my back is up against the wall, that's when I perform my best," he said.
While the Texans may be pleasantly surprised with Foster's immense production this season, the 28-year-old running back has known for some time that he'd regain his old form.
"Three months after I started working out, May, June-ish, I feel like I knew I was going to perform well for my team," Foster said.
The Texans will host the Philadelphia Eagles this Sunday.
