The Houston Texans will be playing on national television as families finish their final preparations for their Thanksgiving meals. This week, players made time to give back to the Houston community and those who were struggling to provide a Thanksgiving meal for their households.
Justin Reid teamed up with Kid's Meals and HEB to provide gift cards to 100 families this week so that they could buy food for their Thanksgiving dinner. Due to COVID-19, Reid was not able to take the families shopping or visit with them, but he sent a special video for families to watch when they received a special visit from Texans mascot TORO and friends who personally delivered the $120 HEB gift cards.
"This year has been a tough year for so many families due to COVID," Reid said. "Understanding so many people have lost their jobs, not knowing how to feed your family can just be another stressor. It is important for me to give back to take care of my community and I have seen first-hand the work that Kid's Meals has done and I just want to join their mission."
Other Texans players were also inspired to give back after the hardships on the local community due to COVID-19. Outside linebacker Jacob Martin donated groceries and turkeys for 45 families at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston.
Deshaun Watson donated turkeys and produce to over 400 families at Houston's Pro-Vision Academy. Whitney Mercilus continued his tradition of donating Thanksgiving dinner to Texas Children's patients and their families.
On Thursday, the Texans will play the Lions in the annual Thanksgiving Day game in Detroit. Kickoff for the nationally-televised game is set for 11:30 a.m. CT on CBS and SportsRadio 610.
