Houston Texans running back Arian Foster has insisted that he has nothing to prove next season as he looks to make a triumphant return from injury.
Foster was only able to feature in eight matches in 2013 before suffering a season-ending back injury that required an operation.
However, despite being limited to just 542 rushing yards and one touchdown last year, Foster does not believe that he has to prove a point with his performances next season.
"It's not like I've got to go prove - I'm not trying to prove anything. I always play this game to the best of my ability and that's what I'm going to continue to do," Foster told the Houston Chronicle.
The Texans endured a torrid campaign last year, losing a franchise-record 14 games in a row, but Foster believes that it is up to the players rather than new coach Bill O'Brien to turn things around in 2014.
"Anytime you have new blood in a place, it's going to create a little buzz. Everybody's excited but, in my opinion, the players still have to make plays," Foster added.
"I think the coaches can do a great job of motivating and all of that good jazz. But when it comes down to it, it falls on our shoulders. We're the ones between those white lines."
Foster recently claimed that he was "feeling good" as he continues his recovery from his back injury.