If an NFL team makes a comeback and no one is there to see it, did it really happen?
The answer, of course, is yes: The Houston Texans did, in fact, trail the Indianapolis Colts by 14 points in the fourth quarter Sunday night, only to storm back for a thrilling 26-23 win in overtime.
But apparently Houston’s home fans didn’t have faith in their own team. Here’s a photo of NRG Stadium in the midst of the Texans’ rally:
Even #Texans fans thought this game was over! #Colts @WISH_TV pic.twitter.com/gemgaaeUFr
— Anthony Calhoun 📺 (@ACwishtv) October 17, 2016
The mass exodus during a primetime game didn’t go unnoticed by Houston’s players — particularly defensive tackle Vince Wilfork.
Vince Wilfork and Charles James II not too happy so many fans left early on Sunday. Vince: "I hope their brisket turned out ok" pic.twitter.com/XGrwjdfGBX
— Daniel Gotera (@DTGotera) October 17, 2016
“For all the fans who left, I hope their brisket turned out OK,” Wilfork said. “They had to go home and check it.”
That’s quite the indictment from a guy who knows a thing or two about cooking brisket. The veteran defensive tackle wasn’t done with Houston’s fans.
“It sucks, but it is what it is,” Wilfork said. “At the end of the day, we play for the guys that are in (the locker room) and the true fans, so to look up in the fourth quarter and still have a shot in the game and see half of the stadium empty, it was surprising. I never encountered that before.”
Wilfork might be spoiled after spending 11 seasons with the New England Patriots, who have been perennial contenders for the better part of two decades and always have drawn solid crowds to Gillette Stadium.
He wasn’t the only one who ripped into Texans fans, though.
23-9 late in 4th Quarter stadium half empty……meanwhile Victory Monday rehab session ha……walkon
— Coach Q (@QDemps) October 17, 2016
We stayed together even after some left to the ones who stayed this ones for you #WeAreTexans 🤘🏾
— Charles James II (@CJDeuce_) October 17, 2016
Osweiler on #Texans fans booing and leaving early. pic.twitter.com/4tqAMi2MmH
— Brian T. Smith (@BTSmithUK) October 17, 2016
Thumbnail photo via Brace Hammelgarn/USA TODAY Sports Images