Backup Days Ahead

Concussed and lied to: Colt McCoy treated like a worthless discard by ignorantCleveland Browns

Colt McCoy
Brandon Weeden
All three teams need a new QB

Colt McCoy deserves better, and that's just what he might get.

Not long ago, the former University of Texas quarterback — the kid that took the program to the National Championship Game — was the toast of Cleveland. The Browns drafted McCoy as a third round project in 2010. By the middle of the 2010 season, Colt was the starter, leading the Browns to six wins and in the process becoming an immediate superstar in Cleveland, a city whose football team badly needs a superstar. He started every game in 2011 until a controversial concussion sidelined him in Week 14.

The Browns committed to Colt McCoy as their starting quarterback, even telling him on draft day that they wouldn't be adding a QB — until they drafted Weeden and announced unequivocally that Weeden will start.

After repeatedly being screwed by the Cleveland Browns, it appears McCoy is on his way out of a perennial loser and on his way into a contender. The Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles and early Super Bowl favorite Green Bay Packers are rumored to be talking to Cleveland about a trade for McCoy after the Browns surprised by drafting Oklahoma State star QB Brandon Weeden as their second draft pick, the 22nd overall. (Alabama running back Trent Richardson was Cleveland's first pick, third overall.)

McCoy spent most of his 2011 season running for his life. Cleveland's offensive line was porous, and when he had a moment to throw, the most accurate passer in the history of the NCAA had receivers that were truly offensive.

In Week 14 of last season, McCoy was the recipient of a helmet to helmet hit courtesy the Steelers' James Harrison. The hit knocked McCoy out for a moment on the field. He came out for a play and then returned, only to throw an interception. McCoy told his dad he doesn't even remember the play; his father fiercely criticized the Browns coaching staff for letting his son come back on the field, and the Browns found themselves defending their medical protocols.

The Browns and the McCoys apparently are not over their feud. It started with Cleveland's inability to add any offensive tools for their young quarterback to work with, and it ended with McCoy staggering out to the huddle with a concussion that the Browns' coaches decided wasn't bad enough to keep him sidelined.

Despite those issues, the Browns committed to Colt McCoy as their starting quarterback, even telling him on draft day that they wouldn't be adding a QB — until they drafted Weeden and announced unequivocally that Weeden will start. Nothing against Weeden, he's a terrific quarterback and mature — the oldest player ever taken in the NFL draft at age 28, having played baseball for a few years and then returning to college as a quarterback.

McCoy could do worse than going from starter for the also-ran Browns to backup on the Super Bowl-contending Packers.

The Green Bay Packers — who just lost Aaron Rogers' backup Matt Flynn to Seattle — need a quarterback. And Colt McCoy would be a good fit. The Packers run a complicated pass-first scheme that requires insanely accurate throws from Rogers to insanely talented receivers like Greg Jennings. McCoy remains an accurate passer. He can run, he's smart, he's tough, all things that scream Green Bay Packer.

Finally, Packer head coach Mike McCarthy may be the best quarterback coach in the NFL. McCoy could do worse than going from starter for the also-ran Browns to backup on the Super Bowl-contending Packers.

The Dallas Cowboys also appear interested in McCoy as a backup. OK, the Cowboys may be a playoff contender, but they hardly deliver Packer-style weapons and have no recent history suggesting they know how to develop a championship quarterback. Still, Dallas would give him a warm reception both from the fans and from the weather.

Dallas is a long way from Cleveland, Philadelphia is not. The Eagles are another team in need of a backup quarterback and rumored to be discussing a trade with Cleveland. McCoy would take over the backup role from . . . wait for it . . . Vince Young.

My, how life throws irony at you from every direction.

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rock on

Native Houstonian brings Austin-based climbing gym to the East End

Photo courtesy of Crux Climbing Center

One of the many climbing walls at Crux.

Crux Climbing Center, one of Austin's best indoor bouldering and climbing gyms, opened its first Houston location in September and is hosting a grand opening celebration this weekend.

"As a native Houstonian, bringing Crux to the Bayou City has always been a part of the long-term vision," said native Houstonian, CEO, and co-founder Kevin Goradia. "Crux is a community-oriented climbing gym, and our decision to open our first out-of-market location at The Plant was largely inspired by Concept Neighborhood’s plans to create a walkable neighborhood that truly integrates the local community.”

Goradia — the son of Houston petrochemical billionaire Vijay Goradia — co-founded the first Crux in South Austin in 2016 after being dissatisfied with the offerings at other climbing gyms. Crux has almost everything a climber could want, including bouldering, training boards, a spray wall, strength training, fitness and yoga classes, saunas, locker rooms, a Kids Cave, lounge space and a retail shop.

The gym flourished in the post-COVID physical activity boom as more people looked for both exercise and social interaction following the lockdowns. The community aspect of Crux is very important to Goradia. When he was diagnosed with cancer in January 2023, he credits the support he had through the climbing scene in Austin as a major factor in his eventual recovery.

Now, he's bringing that to Houston, a city where indoor-climbing is booming. The exceptional flat city has few natural climbing spots, which would be arduous even if they existed thanks to the heat. Instead, the last twenty years have seen an explosion of massive, indoor facilities like inSPIRE, Momentum, and now Crux.

The grand opening event will take place at the 21,000-square-foot gym space located at The Plant (3100 Canal St.) on Saturday, October 10 from 2-8 pm. This is more than just a few grab bags and a chance to do some climbing. Native Houstonian, CEO, and co-founder, Kevin Goradia is pulling out all the stops with a full vendor fair offering art, jewelry, and vintage items.

The climbing will be a great way to work off the calories from some of the food partners. Cheaters Creamery and Sinfull Bakery will both be handing out treats, and Miguelitos Grill will be serving fresh-off-the-grill quesadillas that can be washed down with beer from St. Arnold's Brewery for the 21-and-up crowd. There will even be free tattoos from 13 Goats.

And, of course, there will be climbing. Throughout the event Crux is offering BOGO deals and raffles. The event itself is free, so this is a great opportunity to get a look at what made Crux stand out in Austin.