Since Will Anderson Jr. joined with the Houston Texans as the third pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, the former Alabama All-American has had both his seasons end in the second round of the AFC playoffs.

It’s been four months since the Texans’ 2024 campaign ended with a 23-14 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, and Anderson is ready to get on the field again.

“Ever since that last game, like, I have to stay composed, man,” Anderson said. “I love this group so much, man. There’s no other group that I’d rather go to war with, and I just see the potential of this team and how great we can be and the guys we have in the locker room and the coaches we have, and I just know the sky’s the limit for us, man.”

But Houston won’t kick off its 2025 season until Sept. 7, when it visits the Los Angeles Rams. In the meantime, Anderson wants the Texans’ fans to drive safely.

“These Houston streets are crazy, man,” Anderson said, “so I’m glad I got a chance to come and be a part of this, man. But it’s very important. You know, nowadays you have to drive for everybody on the road and make sure that you’re looking out for everybody and just practicing safe driving.”

Anderson made the remark while attending “Sacks for Safety,” a safe-driving event sponsored by USAA last week in Houston. The pass-rusher participated in a Jaws of Life demonstration with members of the Houston Fire Department and took a spin on USAA’s new driving simulator.

“Just being here, man, being in Houston and showing all the love that they show us and welcoming us to with open arms, man,” Anderson said, “it just means more to get back into the community and show that we really love the city and that we’re here for the community. …

“It’s a lot more I want to do, leave my legacy here in Houston, man, so I’m excited about it.”

Anderson is engaged in the Texans’ offseason program. Houston will enter Phase 3 on May 28, the first of eight days of practice during which the Texans can engage in non-contact 11-on-11 drills. That period includes minicamp on June 10-11, the only portion of the offseason program for which attendance is mandatory.

“It’s fun,” Anderson said. “I’m really excited about this year, man. Both sides of the ball, just seeing everybody work, no complaining. Like, everybody’s just happy to be here. Everybody’s building bonds. The rookies just got there, man, and they’re fitting right in. And I’m excited about this season. I know it’s going to be a good one for us.”

The Texans selected nine players in last month’s draft, starting with Iowa State wide receiver Jayden Higgins at No. 34, and signed six undrafted rookies.

“I think we try to do a really good job of setting what type of culture we wanted,” Anderson said of the rookies joining the team’s offseason program, “so as soon as they got here, they knew what we were about, how we move, how we operate, how we work. And I think they’re fitting in just fine.”

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Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on X at @AMarkG1.