Texans will join Packers players during training camp in bicycle tradition

With Matt LaFleur taking over as head coach from the departed Mike McCarthy, training camp will look a bit different for the Green Bay Packers in 2019. While many traditions remain, there will be a number of new things taking place at camp, and the list grew on Thursday.

For years, Packers players have made their daily trek out from the Lambeau Field facilities to their practice field by riding the bicycles of young fans of the team, at least when practice is open to the public. This tradition is revered and has been a part of the organization for decades.

Now, another NFL team will get to partake in this tradition for the first time in recent memory. The Packers and the Houston Texans announced months ago that the two teams would hold joint practices in the days leading up to their August 8th preseason opener at Lambeau Field. However, on Thursday, Packers president Mark Murphy revealed (via Rich Ryman of the Green Bay Press-Gazette) that the Texans will participate in the bicycle tradition as well:

This should be a fun diversion and an entertaining addition to the team’s training camp schedule. The joint practices are scheduled for August 5th and 6th, with times to be announced.

One specific Wisconsin native who grew up as a bike kid appears to be particularly excited about this opportunity:

It should be fun to see J.J. Watt on a bike in early August. Stay tuned for more information about the joint practices as it is announced.