HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Before Ryan McCollum became a center for one of the cornerstone franchises in the NFL, he was a star athlete at Klein Oak High School in Spring.<\/p>\n
The Steelers lineman says his time there helped pave the way to the pros.<\/p>\n
“Growing up in Texas, I think you’re blessed with a lot of opportunity and capabilities. Everything is right at your fingertips.”<\/p>\n
Those opportunities led to multiple college offers out of high school. McCollum decided to stay close to home and signed with Texas A&M with dreams of going pro just like the legendary Texans players he grew up watching.<\/p>\n
“JJ kind of just restructured everything that it was to be a Texans, and Andre Johnson was a dog.”<\/p>\n
But the player he admired the most was head coach DeMeco Ryans<\/p>\n
“DeMeco Ryans was actually my favorite as a kid. Because his last name is Ryans, so, I saw the jersey, and that’s my name, so I always liked that.”<\/p>\n
McCollum went undrafted, but his NFL ambitions never stopped. After stints with the Texans and Lions, he signed with Pittsburgh in 20-22.<\/p>\n
Years later, he’s now in a playoff matchup against the team he grew up watching<\/p>\n
“I got some buddies, that a matter of fact, I played with in high school, that are coming up to the game. And I’m like, ‘No Texans gear. If you wear Texans gear, you’re buying your own ticket.’ So, a lot of good banter between family and friends.”<\/p>\n
No matter what color uniform McCollum is wearing, he’s just grateful to live out his NFL dream, something that started at home.<\/p>\n
“It’s awesome. You know, I’m extremely blessed. You know, I’ve been in the NFL for 5 years now. A lot of people can’t say that. I’m extremely fortunate,” McCollum said.<\/p>\n
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