PLEASE NOTE: ALL PRACTICES AT GREENBRIER ARE CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC. DOWNLOAD THE HOUSTON TEXANS APP TO MAKE SURE YOU NEVER MISS A MOMENT OF TRAINING CAMP PRESENTED BY XFINITY.
For the first time in seven years, the Texans are headed back to the Greenbrier. 'America's Resort,' as they call it, is a great stop for NFL teams looking to beat the heat, bond and improve, away from the distractions of home and big city life.
Greenbrier is the Titanic... Kinda
Let's be clear about the Greenbrier. Yes, it's nice. But if you're looking for a resort with Vegas-style pools, clubs and nightlife that'll have you wandering in as the sun comes up, this isn't you jam.
Its décor is straight out of the 40's and 50's, but not in a bad way. Everything is pristinely maintained and preserved. And the history is rich.
I liken it to the Titanic on land, without the crash. Okay, it's not decorated in 1912 fashion. But old is old. There's a style that's bathed in proud Americana. The rooms have all the amenities but your great aunt might have picked the floral pattern on the bed spread after decreeing the drape selection.
We won't get into everything that's happened here - like the fact that there is a huge bunker area that was built underground, into a mountainside, to be used for Congress in the case of a nuclear attack. It's 'offline' now but you can still see it.
There's a bowling alley and indoor pool like looks like it's from the silent movie age of Hollywood. There's also a fantastic golf course that once hosted PGA events and the 1979 Ryder Cup - and homes for days that surround the resort.
Mike D'Antoni is a fan
Former Rockets coach Mike D'Antoni 'summers' there and was a guest at a couple of Texans events when they visited in the 'teens.' We interviewed him on Texans Radio. We also interviewed former resident, the late Jerry West – and Greenbrier owner Jim Justice, the former West Virginia Governor who is now a senator.
The football fields and facility are across the street from the resort and are fully equipped with just about everything an NFL team could need.
The biggest advantage is the weather. Temps should top out at about 75 degrees in the coming week. I remember interviewing players after Greenbrier practices and everyone was talkative, energetic and not as spent as you get working out in the Houston inferno.
Why go back?
As much as DeMeco Ryans likes the temperature, he wants team bonding as much as he wants his offensive line to gel quickly. Last year, the eight days they spent in Ohio and Pittsburgh were a big help in getting the squad to play well together.
The Texans, Cleveland Browns and Saints are the only NFL teams to conduct a solid portion of training camp at the Greenbrier. The 49ers and Cardinals have had stops to stay and practice on the east coast during long road trips.
The Patriots have been there a couple of times, including a joint practice with the Texans in 2017. Tom Brady remained on the field long after the session to work out individually. A few Texans watched from a distance.
This is one of the places where 'you can't get there from here.' You can puddle jump to nearby Lewisburg, but flights are sparse. You can fly to Charlotte or D.C. and drive three and a half hours. It feels like you should arrive in a stage coach.
The team will fly in as close as they can. It's a big week as they ready for the first preseason game. We'll see and report on a lot of action in the next three weeks. Be sure to catch me and John Harris broadcasting live from the Greenbrier starting Monday morning at 8am.
If I talk, or brag, too much about the weather, just tell me to put a muzzle on it.
Go Texans!
