Franchise Changer

Houston Texans expected to make the highest offer for Nnamdi Asomugha, the mostdesired free agent of all

Nnamdi Asomugha
Signing Nnamdi Asomugha would be the greatest gift that Bob McNair's ever givenGary Kubiak. And he's given the embattled coach a lot.

One player isn't supposed to be able to change everything in pro football. Unless that player is all-everything cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha and he comes to Houston to save the worst secondary in the NFL.

Then, it's easy to imagine one franchise player turning a 6-10 record into a 10-6 playoff breakthrough season.

And now, Houston Texans fans have reason to do more than harbor farfetched dreams of Nnamdi. ESPN's NFL information guru Chris Mortensen says that he expects the Texans to make "the biggest offer" for Asomugha.

Which probably shocks anyone who has observed how the Texans have cautiously treated free agency under owner Bob McNair.

"Asomugha is interesting because the Houston Texans, probably, are going to make him the biggest offer,” Mortensen said on ESPN's national Mike & Mike radio show Tuesday. "Yet you keep hearing that Nnamdi wants to go somewhere where he can begin to focus on his post-playing career, even though he’ll give it his all as he’s playing. He has a great interest in being an actor, whether it’s in theater or (movies), and that could factor into it.”

Yes, Mortensen expects the Texans to offer Asomugha the most money — and still possibly lose out on him. With the speculation centering on the idea that the former Oakland Raider is enamored with the bright lights of New York, specifically the media magnet of Rex Ryan's Jets.

Still, just the idea of the Texans making the highest offer for the player that everyone wants — the No. 1 free agent without question — would be a game changer for a Houston franchise that often seems to think small time even though it's one of the most valuable sports teams in the world. The Baltimore Ravens — who seemed to cut half their team Monday night to free up money in the first big post-lockout move — and the Detroit Lions are also expected to go after Asomugha hard, making Mortensen's biggest offer talk for the Texans even more telling.

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Houston Astros ballpark gets cool new name for the next 15 years

Courtesy of the Houston Astros

The Astros' stadium will have a new name in 2025.

The Houston Astros are about to have the coolest ballpark in Major League Baseball. The team announced on Monday, November 18 that its has reached a naming rights agreement HVAC manufacturer Daikin Comfort Technologies North America, Inc.

Beginning on January 1, 2025, the stadium will be known as Daikin Park (die-kin). Scheduled to run through the 2039 season, the new name replaces Minute Maid Park, which has been the stadium’s name since 2002. It opened in 1999 as Enron Field.

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Astros fans online are already calling the new stadium “The Ice Box,” replacing its informal “The Juice Box” moniker. That name feels likely to stick.

Japan-based Daikin Industries is a leading manufacturer of HVAC systems. It sells air conditioning units and other products under brand names such as Daikin, Goodman, Amana® and Quietflex. Critically, it operates Daikin Texas Technology Park in nearby Waller, which is the largest HVAC manufacturing facility in North America. The company employs approximately 10,000 people in Greater Houston, according to a release.

“We are excited to be partnering with Daikin for our ballpark’s naming rights,” Astros owner Jim said. “Daikin is an international company that proudly calls the Greater Houston area its North American home. The Houston Astros and Daikin share the same values, a commitment to excellence and a desire to give back to our local community. As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of this ballpark in 2025, I am proud to have Daikin alongside us to create even more special memories for our fans now and in the future.”

The Astros will use the revenue for new stadium amenities and other upgrades. It will also continue the team’s various community initiatives. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. the Houston Chronicle notes that naming rights deals may be worth anywhere from $3.5 million per year (T-Mobile park in Seattle) to $11 million per year for the Texas Rangers’ Globe Life Field.

The team’s first game in Daikin Park will take place on Monday, March 24, which it plays an exhibition against its Triple-A affiliate, the Sugar Land Space Cowboys. It will open the regular season on Thursday, March 27 against the New York Mets.

“Daikin fit all of the criteria we set out to find in a naming rights partner,” Astros senior vice president Matt Brand added. “Their name and reputation fit our iconic downtown Houston home, and their values mesh perfectly with those of the Astros. We are grateful to partner with the entire Daikin team and to help them succeed in their business goals. Daikin Park will be a special place for our fans for many years to come.”

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