The sports performance center was built for the Saints, and their presence gave a lift to the local economy. The team’s generosity after devastating floods pummeled the area in June 2016 intensified the connection. The Saints rebuilt a community park on the day players reported to camp last July. But when the Saints acknowledged in February that they were leaving, residents were concerned that the N.F.L. would not return.

“If you’re used to conveniences, to run to Target or Hallmark to buy a card, that just doesn’t happen here,” Massie said. “So to even have a football team, and then to think we might be losing it, everybody panicked.”

Only about a week passed before the Texans announced they were coming, and residents set about learning the names of players not named J. J. Watt. Shop owners soon put their Saints paraphernalia into storage and hoisted banners and welcome signs across the Greenbrier Valley. One, on West Main Street, proclaimed: “Welcome Texans: Wattage is low here Need visit from JJ.”

“We got used to the Saints,” Rosynek said, “but I’m sure we’ll get used to the Texans, too.”

Through their first week or so in town, players had little time to explore beyond their day off, which many used to relax — running back Lamar Miller recommended the room-service chicken wings. Others roamed the surroundings. Kicker Nick Novak went fly-fishing with punter Shane Lechler. Fiedorowicz commandeered a golf cart for a tour, while Covington wandered by the underground bunker, completed in 1961 and decommissioned in 1992, constructed to withstand a nuclear attack.

Players said they were not restricted from any activity, but do not expect to see Watt zip-lining anytime soon. There is always the pocket square seminar or, for the less adventurous, the infinity pool overlooking the 18th hole of the Greenbrier course, where last week the Tree Tops Café offered a custom drink special: a Big Texan Margarita.