After taking a year off due to COVID-19, the Houston Texans Charity Golf Classic presented by BMW returned on Monday with great success. Over $350,000 was raised for a trio of worthy causes: the Houston Texans YMCA, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston and the Houston Food Bank.
It was the 18th annual edition of the event, which began in 2002. Since that inaugural tournament, the club has managed to raise nearly $5 million for charity. All told, the Texans Foundation has raised over $32 million since 2002 as a way to further the Champions for Youth Initiatives, which have included disaster relief and charitable stadium partnerships.
Team Chairman and CEO Cal McNair, along with general manager Nick Caserio, head coach David Culley and a host of other assistant coaches and Texans players took part in the day of golf.
"It started out kind of small but it's gained a lot of momentum," McNair said of the golf tournament's growth. "Really, we're trying to make the world a better place, and I think we're doing it here today with all the people that joined us, and they're a big part of that."
It was the first go-round at the Classic for Caserio and Culley, and the former was excited to be there to help out those in need.
"The word of the day, I think, should be perspective," Caserio said. "I think we all get caught up in things that frankly, don't matter. Let's all just take a step back. Football is great. Football is important. But it's important for all of us to actually have some perspective on a) life, b) why we're here in the first place. Which is to raise money for a foundation for a good cause."
Texans President Greg Grissom joined the club in 2002 as a sales manager, rose through the ranks of the business operations side of the team, and assumed his new role a month ago. Seeing the growth of the annual event is extra special for him.
"Giving back to our community has always been at the forefront for the McNair Family and the Texans organization," Grissom said. "The Houston Texans Charity Golf Classic presented by BMW is an incredible event that has allowed us to help hundreds of thousands of Houstonians since its inception 18 years ago. We are very fortunate that the event has grown each year thanks to our fantastic corporate sponsors, coaches, players and staff who make it such an unforgettable experience. Personally, it is a day that I have always looked forward to since I joined the Texans organization and it is a tradition I am excited to continue."
The Texans are getting set for the start of the rookie minicamp later this week.
