Arian Foster's Twitter Rival?

Texans QB mocks Seattle's worst play call disaster: Arian Foster finally has a real Houston sports Twitter rival?

Houston Texans quarterback Ryan Mallett joined the rest of the free world in mocking the worst play call in NFL history.

"Somebody tell Beast Mode I'll give him the ball on the 1 yard line 15-15 times. #Texans," Mallett tweeted at the end of the Super Bowl, one that saw his former team win another championship thanks to Marshawn Lynch never getting the chance to go Beast Mode for the decisive touchdown.

Mallett — an impending free agent who figures to be back with the Texans considering how enamored Bill O'Brien and quarterbacks coach George Godsey are with his strong arm — quickly went on to say that he'd also give the ball to Texans lifeline Arian Foster every time in such a situation. Well, duh.

The interesting thing is that another Texan besides Foster seems poised to become a powerful social media voice.

What's notable isn't what Mallett tweeted. It seems like a good 30 percent of the NFL chimed in to rip Seattle's decision making.

No, the interesting thing is that another Texan besides Foster seems poised to become a powerful social media voice.

The towering quarterback from Texarkana is anything but a wallflower. As Mallett showed throughout his brief starting cameo (two games), he brings plenty of swashbuckling confidence to the interview room. Whether Ryan Mallett makes it as full-time NFL starter or not (a proposition still very much in question), he certainly will never be as tame and cliche a quote as the Matt Schaubs of the quarterback universe.

Mallett is unlikely to be as esoteric and hilarious a Twitter force as Arian Foster. No. 23 is in his own league.

Consider Foster's quick response when a fan asked him on Twitter what would be going through his head right now if he was Lynch post pass decision. "Patron," Foster shoots back, speaking of the tequila.

But it's still good to have another player who keeps it somewhat real. Or at least not completely rote. Fans enjoy pulling for guys who shows a little juice. Professional sports are still entertainment after all, even in this Roger Goodell serious world.

Whether O'Brien agrees with this notion or not (OK, we know it's not) is another matter. O'Brien is hardly looking for his players to verbally entertain. Or tweet compellingly.

Having a quarterback with some boss moves isn't a bad thing though. Considering how some other NFL quarterbacks are making news in the offseason (see Johnny Manziel), it's hardly cause for concern either.

Now Mallett just needs to get his own radio show with independent hosts like his boy Tom Brady.

Houston Texans quarterback Ryan Mallett knows what he would have done on the fateful play in the Super Bowl.

37 Texans vs. Browns first half November 2014 Ryan Mallett 15

Photo by © Michelle Watson CatchLightGroup.com

Houston Texans quarterback Ryan Mallett knows what he would have done on the fateful play in the Super Bowl.

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pucker up

Growing pickleball franchise smashes into Houston with 2 locations

Two men play pickleball on a Picklr court.

Photo courtesy of The Picklr

A Picklr court campus similar to the ones soon to open in Houston.

Pickleball is one of the hottest sports sweeping the nation, and one of the biggest names in the game is setting up two new facilities in Houston. Picklr is scheduled to open indoor sports campuses in Cypress and The Woodlands in the coming months.

“Bringing a pickleball facility to Cypress will not only provide a fun and engaging recreational outlet for residents of all ages, but will also foster a sense of community and promote a healthy and active lifestyle,” said Steve Nguyen, owner of The Picklr Cypress.“This facility will serve as a vibrant hub for social interaction, skill development, and friendly/competitive competition, enhancing community bonds and offering a welcoming space for everyone to enjoy.”

Although the game is approximately 60 years old, pickleball saw a massive spike in popularity following the pandemic when people were looking for fun group activities with easy points of entry. Though a racket sport like tennis, it is far easier and slower thanks to using perforated balls, smaller courts, and lighter paddles. This means the game is open to players of all ages, and was originally most popular with retirees. Now, there are roughly 5 million players across America, with players under 24 making up the majority. Houston even has its own professional team, the Hammers (not the Texas Hammer; that's this guy).

The court in Cypress will be located in the old ASI Gymnastics building at 8920 Barker Cypress. It's a relatively modest facility with only six courts including a practice court. By contrast, The Woodlands location will be much more opulent. At 66,517 square feet, it will have 20 courts, 4 private event spaces (one with an exclusive viewing area), as well as a shower, changing room, dry bar, and kitchenette. Picklr The Woodlands will be located at 16590 Interstate I-45 South.

These locations are the first for Picklr in Houston. They have twelve locations all throughout Texas, including in Round Rock and McKinney, and many more nationwide. Picklr locations operate on a membership model similar to a gym. Memberships run $159 a month for adults and $89 for minors, with unlimited access to open play, league play, and tournaments , as well as four free clinics a month. Additional coaching is available.

There is currently no set opening date for the two Houston-area Picklrs. Players interested in learning more may sign up for updates at ThePicklr.com.

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