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    Off The Field

    A hunky tight end's guide to Houston: Owen Daniels reveals where he hangs andhis secret hip-hop cred

    Jayme Lamm
    Nov 27, 2012 | 2:28 pm
    • Owen Daniels (81) isn't just agile on the field. He gets all around Houston too.
      Photo by © Michelle Watson/CultureMapSNAP.com
    • Owen Daniels and his fiancee Angela Merra enjoy getting out in Houston.
      Photo by © Michelle Watson/CultureMapSNAP.com
    • Del Frisco's is Owen Daniels go-to-stop for steaks.
      Photo by eschipul/flickr.com
    • Owen Daniels is also aware of the cocktail scene at Anvil.

    The 10-1 Houston Texans are stronger than ever, tied for the best record in the entire NFL, and, for the first time in their 10-year franchise history, part of the overanalyzed talk of being one of the Super Bowl favorites. Houston, the city, is also on a high, having taken the No. 1 spot on the Forbes list of America’s Coolest Cities To Live not so long ago.

    According to the Forbes’ article, “cool” was based off Merriam-Webster’s definition of “very good; fashionable."

    Tight end Owen Daniels, the guy many consider to be the most social Texan (with apologizes to Connor Barwin), feels that Houston most definitely fits that description. Daniels, one of the main weapons in the Texans offense with 47 catches for 555 yards and six touchdowns, says that even if his football career eventually takes him elsewhere, Houston is where he plans to continue to call home.

    I sat down with the 6-foot-3, 249-pound, newly-engaged tight end, who was dressed in all Jordan, and asked about all this new hype for his team and his city and the stereotypes synonymous with Texas.

    "I’ve always been a rap/hip hop guy . . . I’m from the mean streets of Naperville, Illinois."

    The 30-year-old Daniels, who has spent all seven seasons of his NFL career in Houston, admits the pickup stereotype is “so true.” “I swear there’s gotta be one pickup truck for every car that’s out there,” he says. “I don’t know anywhere outside of Texas you’ll see so many pickup trucks.”

    The Chicago-area native quickly debunks one popular misconception though. “I don’t think Houston is as country as people think," Daniels says. "It’s a big city so you get every walk of life here — it’s a great mix of people. It’s not all cowboys and big teased hair."

    When asked to describe Houston in one word, Daniels claims he does not have a “great vocabulary” but chooses “sprawling.” “Even as big as our city is, it’s always growing and so spread out," he continues.

    This is one professional athlete who actually really knows the city he plays in. Here is Owen Daniels' Visitors Guide to Houston:

    Where to stay: Hotel ZaZa

    Best Place to Shop: I don’t love shopping, but my girlfriend goes to Tootsies for dresses. I don’t mind the Galleria as long as I have some direction and know what I’m going for. I need to have a plan. I can’t just walk aimlessly through that massive place.

    Texas Meal Must: Barbecue, Steak or Mexican? They gotta go barbecue. I like Mexican food, but don’t crave it like I do barbecue.

    Best Barbecue:Goode Company next to Armadillo — it’s the most consistent.

    Best Mexican:El Tiempo on Richmond — they’re all OK, but that’s the best one.

    Best Steakhouse: No doubt, Del Frisco’s is my favorite spot to eat. Arthur (Mooradian), the GM there is amazing. I always get a filet, medium. You gotta go with the mac and cheese too — it’s a jalapeno mac and cheese with bacon in it — it’s so good!

    Best Brunch:Empire Cafe

    Best Sports Venue: Obviously Reliant Stadium. The atmosphere is crazy and we have the No. 1 fans.

    Best Opponent to see at Reliant: Any divisional game

    Best Bar/Spot for a Celebration: If you want to go all out, go to Roak on a Saturday night. Good people watching and a pretty good atmosphere.

    Best Part of Town: I don’t think the Montrose area gets talked about enough. I think they’ve got great places to eat and cool bars.

    Best Place for a Cocktail:Anvil is a good place to grab a cocktail if you’re looking for something other than beer or vodka.

    Best Local Beer: Love me some St. Arnolds!

    Best Date Spot: I love dinner at Mark’s.

    Best Radio Station:The Box (97.9). That’s the best morning show that Houston has to offer. Rod Ryan (from The Buzz) emcees my charity events, so I like him a lot too.

    Fave Musician from Houston: I’m kind of embarrassed I don’t know who all is from Houston, but I know a lot of good music comes from here. I guess I’d go with Bun B — I’m on this house kick lately. I’ve always been a rap/hip hop guy . . . I’m from the mean streets of Naperville, Illinois.

    Best Music Venue: I think House of Blues is cool because it’s always intimate but my favorite shows I’ve seen have been big concerts at the Toyota Center. I went to (Lady) Gaga there and it was awesome! I went to Watch the Throne tour too — that was probably the sickest show I’ve been too.

    Best Local Charity:Owen Daniels’ Catching Dreams Foundation of course! We try to help critically and chronically ill children in Houston and their families. I think what makes us unique is that we not only focus on and support the patient, but their siblings and families as well.

    We have “Owen’s Locker” on the 10th floor at Texas Children’s with tons of entertainment like radios, DVD players, PSPs and other stuff to help entertain them while they are there.

    Daniels has already secured his spot in franchise history becoming only the second Texan (behind Andre Johnson, who has 10,714 yards and counting) to reach 4,000 receiving yards in his career.

    “I think he’s physically the best he’s been," Texans coach Gary Kubiak has said of Daniels' season.

    Presumably that has something to do with putting forth 110 percent effort on the field and knowing all the best spots in Houston to refuel.

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    pucker up

    Growing pickleball franchise smashes into Houston with 2 locations

    Jef Rouner
    Apr 29, 2025 | 5:30 pm
    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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