Texans expect confident rookie safety Swearinger to contribute immediately

HOUSTON – Texans rookie safety D.J. Swearinger doesn't know exactly what made him so confident.

His fearlessness was helped by an encouraging mother and her karate teacher who shared what he called a warrior's creed with a young Swearinger. That creed, which is tattooed on the back of his right triceps, begins with the words: "I am never defeated."

It's a mantra that has helped the South Carolina standout throughout his football career, and has served him well as he's wowed the Texans in the early days of training camp.

The Texans need him to develop quickly in case Ed Reed isn't healthy by the season opener.