Now, the Texans are preparing for an international game Sunday against the AFC South leading Jacksonville Jaguars. A long flight, over nine hours awaits Hansen

"Really, it's just attacking your recovery and just making sure you can get as much sleep as possible," Hansen said. "And just treating it truly like a job, like what it is. It's treating your sleep like a job, your recovery like a job. And going in and trying to be as fresh as you can. Because everyone's tired. Attacking our recovery is the biggest thing."

Of course, the Jaguars are the home team for this matchup at historic Wembley Stadium.

They remained in England for two weeks in a row after a narrow win over the Philadelphia Eagles in London.

"I mean, it's definitely a little bit of an advantage," Hansen said. "I would say they're out there longer, and they're adjusted to the time difference. So, I mean, I think it's just going to be like all the same thing. It's the whole team buying into recovering and getting ready to play a game that we might not feel our best, but we're going to go out there and put a performance and play our best brand of football against the Jags."

Hansen said he can sleep on the airplane. Not everyone can do that.

"Yeah, I can sleep pretty easy on an airplane," Hansen said. "I've got no problem doing that. I'll be out for those nine hours."

What does he do when he's awake? Binge watch television shows or check out a movie from the entertainment offerings.

"I'd say my favorite show is probably Game of Thrones," Hansen said. "I throw Sopranos in there, and I would throw House of Cards in there. It's a great one, too."

Hansen signed a one-year, $3 million maximum value contract through the 2026 season that includes a $750,000 signing bonus.

The fact that the organization has invested in him is emotionally significant to Hansen

"I'm hoping to continue to prove that they made a good investment in me and hopefully can continue to be a Texan in the future," Hansen said. "I love every part of this organization. It’s a great feeling. Just kind of basically you’re appreciating the work I put in. I’ve kept my head down for a few years and I believe I’ve earned it. So, it’s great to be rewarded for hard work.

“It takes a lot of self-belief. Just being undrafted, I think you have to have a play with a little bit extra chip on your shoulder. It just takes a lot of self-belief. When other people may not believe you coming into the process, but continuing to believe in yourself and not listen to other opinions is really important.”

As a rookie, Hansen played in 11 games with two starts. He recorded 25 tackles, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery with two tackles for losses. He played 205 defensive snaps, 27 percent of the total defensive snaps, and 148 snaps for 50 percent of the special-teams snaps.

He's been a part of a playoff squad each of the past three seasons under coach DeMeco Ryans' leadership.

"I think we have big expectations and we hold higher expectations for ourselves," Hansen said.

A knee injury at Illinois hurt his draft stock after finishing his career with 276 tackles, 28 1/2 for losses, eight sacks, 12 forced fumbles, seven fumble recoveries and three interceptions. He ranked second in school history in forced fumbles to Simeon Rice.

It all began with playing for Lovie Smith.

“How surreal is this, man?” Hansen said. “It’s crazy. I still talk to him and because he’s my coach in college. I think I owe him some royalties or something on the deal. But he’s a great dude and he’s like family. So, maybe a dinner in Arizona or something.”

Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL insider for KPRC 2 and Sports Talk 790. His YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@AaronWilsonSport

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