Tag: Texans care

Houston Texans playing with spirit of gratefulness during Salute to Service game

The Houston Texans shared what it meant to play in the Salute to Service game to honor America’s armed forces.

On Sunday, when the Houston Texans take on the Arizona Cardinals at NRG Stadium, they will be playing for more than an opportunity to keep their winning streak and playoff aspirations alive. They will take the field in honor of all the men and women of the United States Military who have served or are actively serving the country.

“It is something that is personal to me,” Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud told the Texans Wire. “My brother was in the Navy; he is a veteran, and I have a lot of respect for the military. For those who put their lives on the line so that we can have freedom and peace. It means a lot for them to get to a month of us recognizing them and showing them love back. We appreciate them and thank them for their service; it doesn’t go unnoticed.”

The late Texans owner Bob McNair started the tradition in 2011 of honoring all military branches by incorporating a Salute to Service game where the team donated tickets to service members, inviting each branch to present colors on the field and present a field-sized United States flag that would be honored during the playing of the National Anthem. The NFL decided to follow what Houston had started and now holds a Salute to Service game in stadiums around the country during November.

This past week, the Texans and Community Coffee hosted a Salute to Heroes tailgate at NRG Stadium, honoring military personnel and first responders for their service. Over 50 military members and first responders had lunch with Texans Legends, Lady Texans, Toro, Texans Cheerleaders, and Hannah McNair, Vice President of the Houston Texans Foundation. They also had an opportunity to meet the players after practice.

“It’s nice to be able to say thank you in person and just to honor them and serve them as they have served us,” said McNair.

Coach DeMeco Ryans has been a part of the Salute to Service game as a player and a coach and knows just how much this game means to the players and military personnel, both past and present.

“I feel like the people who serve our country are the reason why we can do a lot of the things we do here,” Ryans told Texans Wire after meeting with the media on Friday. “A lot of the freedoms we have in America come from the people who are sacrificing for us. I have a lot of family members who have served, and I am very grateful and thankful to them for their service.

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Texans WR Nico Collins teams up with Boys & Girls Clubs of Houston to provide Thanksgiving meals

Houston Texans receiver Nico Collins partnered with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Houston to provide meals.

Nico Collins has been an avid supporter of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Houston.

According to senior director of development Shannon Woodruff, the former 2021 third-round receiver showed initiative as soon as he became a member of the Houston Texans.

“He reached out and said he wanted to provide meals to our families, and it felt like a perfect match for this holiday season,” Woodruff said.

For Collins, partnering The Chosen Foundation to help host a Thanksgiving impact event at the the Morefield Location brought him back to humble beginnings in Birmingham, Alabama.

 

“I have sat here before; I was in their shoes,” said Collins. “I know what it feels like to go through everyday uncertainty, not knowing what the next day is going to bring, not knowing how you are going to get your next meal. So just coming out here and doing this for them, you never know what they are going through. It is wonderful to be a part of, and it is wonderful to do. I am grateful for this, and I am going to continue to do it and give back to the city as much as I can.”

While Collins handed out meals to the underserved, the subject of the Texans’ two-game winning streak wasn’t overlooked. A calf injury nixed Collins for the first time this season, but the 24-year-old is anxious to return against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 11 Sunday.

“I am getting ready for this week and ready to be back out there with the fellas so we can keep this train rolling,” Collins told reporters. “We are getting ready for AZ this week and keeping our foot on the gas and continue to be great.”

The former Michigan product is having a career season with 631 yards receiving on 36 receptions and four touchdowns. Collins ranks in the top-20 in the NFL in yards after catch, averaging 17.5 yards.

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Texans assist Houston Food Bank tackling hunger during Hunger Action Month

The Houston Texans teamed up with the Houston Food Bank to tackle hunger as part of a larger campaign for Hunger Action Month.

HOUSTON — Fresh off their first victory of the season on Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars, some of the Houston Texans players were still in competition mode, except this time, they were not being led into battle by first-year coach DeMeco Ryans but by someone whose competitive spirit is still the same.

Hannah McNair, the Vice President of the Houston Texans Foundation, made sure that tight end Teagan Quitoriano, linebackers Henry To’oTo’o, Christian Harris, Jake Hansen, and defensive end Adedayo Odeleye, along with the Lady Texans knew that the race was on to see who could fill the most boxes at the Houston Food Bank in support of Hunger Action Month.

“It’s always great to come and support Backpack Buddy at the Houston Food Bank; they’re one of our great partners,” Mrs. McNair said about the community event. “And during Hunger Action month, we got to feed a lot of kids and make sure they don’t go hungry on the weekend.

“The Lady Texans, they’re just the heart. We go out to the community throughout the year and give back. That just means a lot. To do it together and to also do it as a competition, I mean, we’re in sports, turn it into a competition; we got a lot done today.”

In case you were wondering, Mrs. McNair’s team won. Over 540 bags were prepared on Tuesday, and each bag contained six meals, which brought the total amount of meals to 3,270.

The Texans organization will now focus on the “Ring of Honor” ceremony for former Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt, who was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year three times during his tenure with the team.

“The Ring of Honor, we’re really excited to get J.J. back here and honor him appropriately,” said Mrs.McNair. “I think he’s a Hall of Famer. He’s incredible. He’s meant a lot to this organization, to this city. We’re going to be able to celebrate that this weekend, and let’s go get another win.”

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Texans legend J.J. Watt partnering to fight food insecurity in Houston

Former Houston Texans DE J.J. Watt is teaming up to fight food insecurity in the city of Houston.

J.J. Watt hasn’t exactly taken it easy since retiring.

The soon-to-be Houston Texans Ring of Honor inductee has been busy taking care of his son, Koa, alongside his wife Kealia Ohai Watt in addition to new ventures such as investing in the Burnley FC of the premier league. Despite the broad scope of these new, post-football activities, the Watts have not lost sight of Houston and how much it meant to them.

The Texans Wire was able to speak to the couple on Wednesday about their new partnership with Frito-Lay and Cheetos to help combat food insecurity in the community. According to Texas Children’s Hospital, there are 724,500 food insecure individuals in Harris County including 23.6% of children. This was an issue that spoke to both J.J. and Kealia.

“Food insecurity is a big issue in this country and certainly is here in Harris County,” Watt said. “What Frito is doing in putting these grab and go meal stations in school is giving kids an opportunity to get food, so that we can combat that.

“Then, also, we’re providing kids through GenYOUTH with flag football kits in school so that they can be active and get involved in the game. They can work on all the things like team work and discipline. Fritos, Cheetos, GenYOUTH, everyone is doing a great job and we’re excited to partner with them and play a little flag football.”

In addition to the partnership with Frito-Lay & Cheetos, the couple is hosting a flag football clinic for children in Houston with GenYOUTH. This national organization promotes healthy school communities by empowering students. Working in tandem with this organization represents another part of their efforts, as flag football kits are being donated to schools to promote a healthy lifestyle.

“It’s obviously a bunch of kids from the community and we’re gonna play some flag football and enjoy some Frito products,” Watt continued. We’re going to just have a good day. We’re back here in Houston, we’re excited to be back in Houston, we love it here and are excited to see kids in the community.”

This wasn’t a previous partnership of Watt’s from his time with the Houston Texans. However, the issue and the opportunity to make an impact spoke to him as an additional chance to help the community that watched him transform into an NFL star.

“This is new,” Watt explained. “Frito was talking to us about what they want to do to help combat food insecurity and we’re excited to be on board.”

The event today will feature the Watt’s coaching against each other and spending time with children at the event. The duo weren’t shy about how excited and competitive they were ready to be regarding the upcoming game.

“We’re going to have a little flag football,” Watt said. “I’m not 100% sure but I’m kind of hoping Kealia coaches one team and I coach the other… winner wakes up early with Koa tomorrow morning and the other gets to sleep.”

Kealia commented afterward that, despite believing in her own coaching advantage, she just hopes it doesn’t end with “a big fight on the field.”

Regardless of the couple matchup, the ultimate winner looks to be the city of Houston and how drafting Watt continues to pay dividends to the community over a decade later. Fans will be able to welcome Watt back to the city in October when the Houston Texans face off against the Pittsburgh Steelers and retire Watt’s jersey at halftime.

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Texans K Ka’imi Fairbairn pledging field goals, extra points to help rebuild Maui

Houston Texans kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn is pledging his extra points and field goals to raise money to help rebuild Maui following the wildfires.

Maui suffered an immense disaster with the wildfires that struck Hawaii’s big island in mid-August.

Houston Texans kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn, who was born in Kailua on O’ahu, is using his platform in the NFL to help the residents tasked with an arduous and emotional rebuilding process.

According to Fairbairn’s Instagram, the Texans kicker will donate $250 per made field goal and $100 per made extra point to rebuild Maui in partnership with the Lonomai Foundation.

Texans special teams coach Frank Ross told reporters Aug. 24 that Fairbairn’s efforts to help Maui are, “just a small representation of who he is.”

“That’s who he is every day,” Ross said. “I mean, the guy has such a high level of care for human and that’s who he is.”

While Ross admitted to never venturing out from the United States’ mainland in his life, he nevertheless could appreciate Fairbairn using his platform in the NFL to help the state where he grew up.

“God bless him and for anyone impacted for ‘Imi’ [Fairbairn] and part of our country, I hope everything can back on their feet as soon as possible so that’s fantastic that he’s doing that,” said Ross.

Fairbairn graduated from Punahou High School in Honolulu as a star in football and water polo.

“Hopefully everyone that’s out there that saw that can help contribute for him and Hawaii,” Ross said.

To learn more, visit rebuildingmaui.org

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Houston Texans and partners announce 2023 Inspire Change Grant

The Houston Texans and their partners have launched the 2023 Inspire Change Grant.

The Houston Texans along with ConocoPhillips, Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages, and Ashley announced Tuesday the 2023 Inspire Change Grant.

The grant will be used to fund programs and projects that, “create partnerships that unlock pathways to new opportunities and support social justice and racial equity efforts in Houston,” according to a statement from the Texans.

The program is in its third year, and the team and partners will award $400,000 to area nonprofits and education programs.

An advisory committee of Texans representatives and community leaders will select grant recipients in the following areas: education, criminal justice reform, workforce and economic development, community resources, relational policing, poverty alleviation, racial equity, employment, support for children with incarcerated parents, homelessness, and access to mental health support in underserved communities and schools.

Since 2021 when the grant was created, more than $800,000 has been awarded to 30 local nonprofits.

Last year, the Texans and their partners surprised recipients with their grants at a reception at NRG Stadium with Texans players, Texans Foundation vice president Hannah McNair, and Texans Legends. Throughout the year, the Texans also visited grant recipients Bo’s Place, Santa Maria Hostel and Casa de Esperanza de los Ninos, Inc.

The grant application will be available Aug. 23 through Sept. 13 at  www.HoustonTexans.com/InspireChangeGrant.

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Houston Texans wear orange to remember Uvalde, support National Gun Violence Awareness Day

“We decided to wear orange shirts ahead of “Wear Orange Day” in a couple of days in support of, first and foremost, the one-year anniversary of the Uvalde school shooting,” said coach Ryans

HOUSTON — As I made my way into the gates of the Houston Texans practice field at the Methodist Training Center on Wednesday, I noticed the back of the t-shirts being worn by Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Cal McNair and his wife Hannah, vice president of the Texans Foundation. 

The white cursive font that stood out on the bright orange shirts had only one word that will never be forgotten in the state of Texas or the nation.

Uvalde.

As I continued to look around the field, I noticed that head coach DeMeco Ryans, general manager Nick Caserio, assistant coaches, players, and staff members were also wearing the shirts in unison.

The Texans organization wore the shirts in honor of National Gun Violence Awareness Day and Wear Orange Day, observed on the first Friday in June. It originated on June 2, 2015, in honor of Hadiya Pendleton, 15, who was shot and killed on a playground in Chicago, Illinois, on January 29, 2013. 

One year ago, the nation mourned as a gunman killed 19 children and two educators at Robb Elementary in Uvalde, Texas. The Houston Texans, along with volunteers and sponsors, made their way toward the city to help the families of the victims and the city as they mourned over the tragic incident. 

They also honored the victims of the Uvalde Elementary school shooting before their season opener against the Indianapolis Colts last season. Players from the Uvalde high school football team were in attendance as the team wore “Uvalde Strong” decals on their helmets. The Texans organization and players donated $600,000 to the Robb Elementary School memorial fund.

“We decided to wear orange shirts ahead of “Wear Orange Day” in a couple of days in support of, first and foremost, the one-year anniversary of the Uvalde school shooting,” said coach Ryans when asked about the meaning of the shirts. “We want to make sure that we support that situation and just the senseless gun violence that is going on. We want to use our voice as an organization and as a team to make sure that we put an end to it.”

“It’s senseless shootings that are going on around our country that sometimes we can just grow numb to it because it happens so often. We just have to bring awareness to it and understand the severity of the situation, where a lot of kids, unfortunately, are losing their lives to something that senseless, and we just make sure we support and get out in front of it. As I told our players this morning, it’s bigger than just being great football players. I want our guys to understand that we’re more than just players. We’re also great men, great leaders in our communities, and our guys are in support of it, and I’m proud of the way they represented from last year, seeing it from afar, all the way up until now.”

Coach Ryans also has felt the effects of gun violence personally after losing family members to the senseless act as recently as last week. With the rise of school shootings in the United States, Ryans thinks about the safety of his three young children when they are in class.

“I have three young kids,” Ryans said. “So, when you send your kids off to school, and you have to even have that thought in the back of my mind that man, ‘are my kids going to be safe, am I going to see them’, it’s not the mindset you want to have when you’re dropping your kids off at school. For all of us, it’s something we shouldn’t have to worry about, it’s something we shouldn’t have to discuss, but it’s here. We want to make sure we bring awareness to it because it is a real issue that hits home for a lot of people.”

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Houston Texans donate $10,003 to GoFundMe for Buffalo Bills S Damar Hamlin

The Houston Texans donated $10,003 to the GoFundMe for Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin.

The Houston Texans donated $10,003 to the GoFundMe for Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin.

The 24-year-old went into cardiac arrest following a tackle made on Cincinnati Bengals receiver Tee Higgins on Monday Night Football in Week 17 at Paycor Stadium. Hamlin needed CPR, was taken off the field via an ambulance to a nearby hospital, and remains in the intensive care unit in critical condition.

According to the GoFundMe’s page, the page was initially established to support a toy drive for Hamlin’s community, but quickly became a way for everyone from NFL teams to players and fans to show their support for Hamlin.

This fundraiser was initially established to support a toy drive for Damar’s community, sponsored by the Chasing M’s Foundation. However, it has received renewed support in light of Damar’s current battle and we can’t thank all of you enough. Your generosity and compassion mean the world to us.

As representatives of Damar, the team at Jaster Athletes posted the fundraiser updates and will work with the Hamlin family, The Chasing M’s Foundation, and the GoFundMe team to ensure the safe delivery of funds.

Damar created The Chasing M’s Foundation to use as a vehicle to bring lasting impact to his community. The foundation supports toy drives, back-to-school drives, kids camps, and more. We’re hopeful about Damar’s future involvement in disbursing the incredibly generous contributions.

This is the only current fund that is being used by the Hamlin Family. We appreciate your understanding as we give them the time and space they need to focus on Damar’s health first.

Again, thank you for your thoughts, prayers and support during this time.

Hamlin has two former Bills teammates on the Texans in defensive ends Mario Addison and Jerry Hughes, who were with him in his first NFL season in 2021. Rookie defensive tackle Kurt Hinish was also Hamlin’s high school teammate at Central Catholic High School in Pittsburgh.

Texans to recognize USA Football coach Cameron Campbell for 2022 Inspire Change Changemaker Award

USA Football master trainer Cameron Campbell was named the Houston Texans’ 2022 recipient for the inaugural Inspire Change Changemaker Award.

The Houston Texans announced USA Football master trainer Cameron Campbell as the team’s recipient for the inaugural 2022 Inspire Change Changemaker Award.

The Texans will recognize Campbell, referred to as “Coach Cam,” on Dec. 18 in the club’s Week 15 matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs at NRG Stadium.

Campbell, a former NCAA Division I athlete and graduate of the University of Houston, has been a key part of the Texans’ Youth Football initiatives including Play Safe, Coaches Academy and Youth Football Camps over the past few seasons — a slice of his involvement over the past 12 years as a significant contributor to Houston’s youth and family sports space.

“Being named the Texans’ 2022 Inspire Change Changemaker Award means everything to me,” Campbell said in a statement from the Texans. “As a contributor, it’s your job to give. You don’t give expecting to receive anything, and I believe that we can create a positive impact and some change with the right recognition and resources. There’s always more work to be done.”

In 2017 Campbell launched a small business in 2017 called Texas Athletics Construction, whose mission is, “to build athletic surfaces around the Houston community and to improve the lives of all student athletes,” according to the Texans.

Campbell and the 31 other Inspire Change Changemaker Award recipients were selected based on their outstanding work in the community and their support for one or more of the key pillars encompassed in the Inspire Change initiative: police-community relations, criminal justice reform, education and economic advancement. Each winner will receive a $10,000 donation to the social justice 501c3 nonprofit organization of their choice courtesy of the NFL Foundation.

According to the Texans, the NFL has given more upwards of $244 million to 37 national grant partners and hundreds of grassroots organizations across the nation, nearing its 10-year, $250 million commitment to social justice efforts.

The Texans’ Inspire Change efforts awarded $400,000 to 15 local nonprofits through the Inspire Change Grant Fund.

For more information, check out www.HoustonTexans.com/InspireChange.

LB Christian Kirksey shares thoughts on being Texans’ Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year nominee

Houston Texans linebacker Christian Kirksey says that it is an honor to be the team’s nominee for the 2022 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award.

The NFL announced the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award nominees per all 32 clubs on Tuesday.

Linebacker Christian Kirksey was named the Texans’ nominee, and the ninth-year veteran shared what being nominated means.

“Truly, I have a lot of my teammates that go out in the community and do such a great job that in my opinion could be nominated as well,” Kirksey said. “I appreciate that the organization nominated me for it. I think that comes with being a football player. I know a lot of people see us on Sunday playing a game that we love, making plays, making tackles, touchdowns and all that stuff, but most importantly, it’s the people that are looking up to you.”

Kirksey elaborated that using the platform of pro football to give back to the Houston community sets a good example for youngsters that they can similarly impact their communities — and not need to be an NFL linebacker to do so.

Said Kirksey: “That you might be a kid’s role model. You’ve got to go out and help those that are in need. That’s our responsibility as football players. Not only just to play on Sunday, but to go out in our communities and be that hero for everybody. That’s my philosophy on what it means to be in the community and to actually be present there.”

Kirksey has collected 86 combined tackles, 2.0 sacks, six tackles for loss, six quarterback hits, an interception, a fumble recovery, and three pass breakups through all 12 of his starts in 2022.