The Facts: Texans OC Kyle Shanahan was in his junior season as a receiver for the Longhorns for the 2001 Big 12 Championship Game against Colorado. Brown rushed for 182 yards and three touchdowns as Colorado thwarted UT's title-game hopes. "I've always liked Chris Brown," Shanahan said. "I played against him in college. He whooped us in the Big 12 championship my junior year at Texas. He's a true running back."

Diehards Line:As previously reported, the Texans signed Brown to a two-year deal on Thursday. The team is still expected to add a back in the draft, but Brown adds another veteran presence to the mix with Ahman Green, Chris Taylor and Darius Walker. Shanahan hopes that with Green and Brown capable of being starters, they can keep each other fresh -- and healthy. "What excites me about Chris is I see him as a starting type running back," Shanahan said. "He's that type of player. To have him be able to spell Ahman, and Ahman spell Chris, to keep two guys fresh like that, I think it will be needed. ..." Of course, both Green and Brown would have to stay healthy for a full season to meet that objective.