When Robert McNair formed the league's 32nd franchise, he envisioned that the
Texans' success would reside in its character, attitude and enthusiasm both on
and off of the field.
The Texans take tremendous pride in the greater Houston community. Whether showing support through community, civic or charitable efforts, the organization is committed to aiding the community that has been there to cheer on the Texans' efforts from the outset. Here is a glance at some of the club's continuing community endeavors.
Devoted Donors
Donors began lining up well before the 7 a.m. start of The Houston Texans' and Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center's Third Annual Blood Drive at Reliant Stadium on October 5, 2004.
The drive collected nearly 1,700 donations, as Texans players, cheerleaders and team mascot TORO were on hand to meet and greet patrons throughout the day.
Texans Trendsetters
More than 20 players and their hip wives took part in the Third Annual Football with Style Fashion Show at the Polar Ice Rink Galleria. Those in attendance saw the football personalities come to life on the catwalk, where they dressed in fashions by Saks Fifth Avenue. Proceeds from ticket sales benefited The Houston Texans Foundation.
Turkey Giveaway
Several Texans players, including offensive lineman Chester Pitts and safety Jason Simmons, distributed frozen turkeys at the former Langston Elementary School in North Houston with help from the Target Hunger program. More than 150 people received turkeys and autographs from the Texans at the giveaway.
Thanksgiving Feast
Tight end Matt Murphy and fullback Moran Norris served a Thanksgiving-style lunch
to approximately 100 children at the Holthouse Boys and Girls Club. Murphy and Norris donned chef's hats and aprons to get into the holiday spirit. The event was part of the Boys and Girl's Club's Kid's Café, which provides nourishing, after-school snacks and hot meals with the help of the Houston Food Bank. The players served up a turkey lunch with all the fixings and stayed to visit with the children and sign autographs.
Getting a Head Start
The Texans hosted more than 100 students from three local universities for the Second Annual "Join the Team: Integrating Business and Sports" Career Seminar at Reliant Stadium. The students participated in seminars led by guest speakers from the sports marketing, business and journalism fields. The forum provided students an opportunity to get an early jump on pursuing a career in the sports industry.
Show and Tell
Ten lucky students were able to bring some of their favorite Texans into their elementary school world as part of "Take a Texan to School Sweepstakes," sponsored by the Houston Texans and the Houston Chronicle. Winners completed an entry form for a chance to win a one-hour assembly with a Houston Texans player, cheerleader or TORO. The Texans participated in a classroom visit, full assembly or pep rally at the designated schools in Houston and surrounding areas.
Friendly Competition
Texans kicker Kris Brown showed off his impressive toe touch, wide receivers Jabar Gaffney and Corey Bradford resurrected their favorite high school cheer routine, and linebacker Kailee Wong and running back Domanick Davis tapped into their artistic talent as the group competed against employees as part of the Second Annual Methodist Hospital Pep Rally.
Making Rounds
Throughout the fall, the Texans players spend much of their Tuesday off-time visiting various places around the Houston community. One of the stops this past season was at a senior citizens center, where three players joined a group of Texans staff members for a morning visit. Kicker Kris Brown, defensive tackle Seth Payne and quarterback B.J. Symons faced stiff competition during a round of bingo at the Sheltering Arms Senior Citizens Center. The ladies and gentlemen invited the group of Texans to spend some time visiting, signing autographs, sharing stories and playing games in the social hall.
Hometown Huddle
As part of the Texans' continuing involvement with the United Way, long snapper Bryan Pittman joined other NFL players to run football drills with more than 50 middle schoolers at the Cossaboom YMCA. The players were among other United Way volunteers to take part in Hometown Huddle – a collection of volunteer projects that occur on a single Tuesday in cities across the country.
Texans Special Events Outreach
The Texans have created many fan events throughout the year. Events include the Texans Draft Party, Running of the Bulls 5K Run, Outreach Tour, Cheerleader and Bull Pen Pep Band Tryouts, Football 101, Training Camp, Texans Week, Cheerleader Magazine Preview Party, Cheerleader Halloween Party, Ultimate Fan Contest, Business Lunch Series and Youth and Hispanic Outreach Programs. These events are programmed to cultivate the Texans' fan base and make a positive impact on their lives.
Outreach Tour
The Texans extended their reach throughout Texas on their annual Outreach Tour, brought to you by Miller Lite. Texans players, cheerleaders and TORO visited Beaumont, Corpus Christi, McAllen, Ft. Hood, College Station, Austin and San Antonio. School visits, hospital visits, autograph signings and fan events were scheduled throughout the tour.
Health & Safety Tour
The Texans Cheerleaders and TORO teamed up with The Methodist Hospital for their annual Health & Safety Tour. This elementary school tour emphasizes the importance of health and safety issues that will positively influence the students. The program includes interactive games, a skit on fire safety and nutritional information.
Football 101
The Texans hosted the Fifth Annual Football 101 at Foley's Downtown this past January. Texans players taught a sold-out crowd the intricacies of the offense, defense and special teams in a fun and entertaining environment. All attendees received a Texans gift bag with a Football 101 guide.
Shop with the Texans
A group of 15 children from the Houston Department of Family Services went on a memorable outing when the Texans and Foley's joined for a group holiday shopping spree. The children were given a $100 Foley's gift card while Texans players and Cheerleaders assisted them in making their holiday gift purchases.
Holiday Down Under
The Texans teamed up with Outback Steakhouse in December for a special Holiday Luncheon with a spirited group of Houston-area children. Children from Noah's Ark, a residential facility for at-risk youth, dined over chicken fingers with a group of Texans players, Cheerleaders and TORO. The youngsters were able to have their photos taken with the Texans crew who signed autographs and passed out Texans memorabilia and goodie bags.
Youth Outreach
The Texans are committed to increasing the sport of football and the game's youth fan base. Events and programs include: Youth Coaching Clinics, Gatorade Coaching Academy, Junior Player Development, Senior Player Development, Quarterbacks Camp, Kicking Camp, 7-on-7 Tournament, Youth AbilityCAMP and Youth Football Camps. The Texans also orchestrate Gatorade Jr. Training Camp, NFL Flag, Punt, Pass & Kick, High School Coach of the Week and a new on-line Kids' Club.
Hispanic Outreach
The Texans continue to grow their Hispanic outreach with strong grassroots events and programs, media partnerships and broadcasts and partnerships with the Hispanic business community including the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Events include Football Fiesta, Hispanic Heritage Day, Women in Leadership, Job Shadowing Days, Gatorade Jr. Training Camp clinics and other youth and community programs. In addition, the Texans Hispanic Advisory Board plays a key role and works closely with the Texans on their outreach initiatives.