Ex-Buccaneer Foster returns home for illustrious honor

Mission Bay High School running back Arian Foster rushed for nearly 2,100 yards as a Buccaneer running back in 2003. Now an NFL star who plays for the Houston Texans, Foster returned to MBHS Oct. 26 as school officials retired his No. 2 jersey. Dressed in a black sweater and light-gray jeans, Foster didn’t look like a bruising pro football player. At 6 feet 1 inch, playing at 228 pounds, Foster matched his father, Carl, and brother Abdul in stature on the podium during halftime of the Bucs’ game against Point Loma. “Mission Bay has a lot of sentimental value to me,” Foster said, adding he was “a little bit surprised” when he learned of the school’s plan. Used as a linebacker when he arrived as a high school junior in 2002 from New Mexico following his parents’ divorce, Foster was moved to running back during his senior season — a move that proved brilliant. In his senior season, Foster covered 2,093 yards and scored 24 touchdowns in addition to six more on kickoff returns. His game against Clairemont High (321 yards) helped him earn Western League Player of the Year honors. He was also named to the All-California CIF team. Foster chose to attend University of Tennessee, and after going undrafted in the pros in 2009, he signed with the Texans. From his time at Mission Bay High through his experiences at UT, Foster developed into an outstanding professional player. He was the NFL’s rushing leader in 2010 and has been named to both Pro Bowl and “All-Pro” rosters in 2010 and 2011. Through eight games this season, Foster’s NFL career totals include 3,867 rushing yards (4.5 yard average), 1,391 pass-reception yards gained on 139 catches, along with 44 touchdowns. With the Texans on a bye week on Oct. 26, Foster was able to attend the ceremony. “The history of San Diego is so rich,” Foster said. “I’m just glad I can add to that.” Now 26, Foster was born in Albuquerque, N.M., where he played his first high school football at Valley High School.