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With former Miami Dolphin Jonathan Martin landing in San Francisco, it appears that not all locker rooms are filled with camaraderie and good-natured towel snapping.
The Martin-Richie Incognito situation brought up some serious issues among NFL players. How much bullying really goes on when no one's watching? What happens when teasing and hazing crosses the line?
"It's something that definitely doesn't happen in Houston. I can attest to that," Chris Myers said in an interview with Texans Radio. "That's something that has to get regulated and
sanctioned on by the players themselves. When that kind of thing is getting obvious that that's going on in the locker room, the older guys need to take it by the reins and say, 'That's not going to happen.'"
Eagles outside linebacker Connor Barwin wrote an editorial piece titled “My Job Is Very, Very Different From Your Job” for Sports Illustrated's highly read column, The Monday Morning Quarterback. In his story, Barwin discusses locker room culture in light of the Dolphins highly-publicized incidents.
The former Texan gave high marks to Houston, where he spent his first four seasons in the NFL. Players like Myers helped maintain fairness and social order among rookies and veterans from all walks of life.
"The most successful position groups tend to be the ones with the best organization," Barwin
wrote. "When I was on the Texans, the O-line and D-line were led by savvy veterans like Chris Myers and (former nose tackle) Shaun Cody."
Myers agrees but doesn't take all the credit. Everyone does their part. Coaches and general managers recruit "high character guys" and those players help keep the sanctity of the locker room intact.
"I'm glad for Jonathan that he's getting his fresh start out in San Francisco," Myers said. "He'll get a fresh start and get back on his feet and we'll see what happens with Richie."
Myers, who had been Barwin's teammate all through his career with the Texans, had a chance to read Barwin's article for The MMQB.
"I texted him and let him know I appreciate the kind words," Myers said. "As long as you can regulate it, and keep it in the locker room, and keep it fun, that's where you go."
