Houston Texans quarterback Brock Osweiler says the hardest decision of his life was leaving the Broncos for Houston. But seven months later as he prepares to face his former team Monday night, Osweiler seems confident he made the best decision.

Denver selected Osweiler in the second round of the 2012 NFL draft hoping he eventually would be their franchise quarterback. Yet he had other plans once the Broncos’ 2015 championship season concluded.

After Osweiler’s defection to Houston, a lot of attention went to Broncos coach Gary Kubiak‘s decision to bench Osweiler for quarterback Peyton Manning, who cast a shadow as a likely future Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee. Many speculated it was Osweiler’s benching in the Broncos’ regular-season finale against San Diego that prompted the young quarterback to exit. At that time, Osweiler said he was frustrated with the decision, but he said Thursday it didn’t weigh in to his free agency departure.

“Any coach, any team in the NFL, if they had Peyton Manning healthy and ready to play I think we all know who is going to play in the game,” Osweiler said. “That had nothing whatsoever to do with my decision.”

Instead, Osweiler pointed to playing for the Texans and in coach Bill O’Brien’s quarterback-friendly system as a key factor in leaving. He said he played well in Kubiak’s system, but he felt like Houston’s system was a better fit for his skills, and gave him an opportunity to excel for a long time in the NFL.

Through six weeks, the Texans have the NFL’s 27th-ranked offense in yards per game, 30th in points per game and 30th in passing offense despite good performances by star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, speedy rookie receiver Will Fuller and all-purpose running back Lamar Miller.

Houston has struggled to be consistent and get more production from its top weapons.

Of course another big factor in the decision to leave Denver was money. Houston backed up the Brink’s truck in the form of a four-year, $72 million contract with $37 million guaranteed in early March. The Broncos were interested in retaining Osweiler at a smaller price. They also spent much of the month between winning Super Bowl 50 and Osweiler’s departure waiting for Manning’s retirement decision.

“Denver had the opportunity to extend an offer,” Osweiler said. “In fact, they had a great, very long period of time to extend an offer.”

Osweiler pointed to conversations with his family, former coaches and people across the NFL that helped him make his decision to leave Denver.

He showered Broncos general manager John Elway and Kubiak with praise for their treatment of him during his time in Denver. Osweiler said he and Elway chatted for a few minutes this summer in Idaho, and they have a great relationship. He also mentioned that he reached out to Kubiak last week when he heard he was sick and the Broncos coach wished him the best. Kubiak confirmed and said that the two have communicated from time to time since Osweiler left.

Players leave for different teams all the time and once the initial shock wore off, it was strictly business for all parties. Yet Osweiler drew headlines again when he skipped the Broncos’ celebration trip to the White House and their ring ceremony in June. Related Articles October 20, 2016 Brock Osweiler: “I don’t feel like a marked man.” But Broncos “want to kill him”

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Osweiler defended those absences saying he needed to attend the Texans voluntary organized team activities, which occurred during the White House trip. Many former Broncos, including Jaguars defensive lineman Malik Jackson and Bears linebacker Danny Trevathan, missed those same workouts to attend the event.

As for the ring ceremony, Osweiler pointed to a mandatory minicamp date that he said was scheduled too close to the ceremony, Sunday, June 12 in Denver. Houston’s minicamp began two days later.

There were a lot of emotions on both sides and mutual admiration was expressed. Monday they’ll focus on football, but there’s no doubt Osweiler’s decision also will be on their minds.