Houston Texans

I was at home in Richmond, Virginia, relaxing with my family when a package arrived at my doorstep. I had no idea what to expect when I opened it, and to my surprise, it was absolutely amazing. The Houston Texans stand out when it comes to how they treat their players. I haven’t played in over a decade, yet they still took the time to send such a thoughtful gift—it truly hit me in the heart. Many former NFL players, myself included, struggle with life after football. What we miss most isn’t just the game—it’s the structure, the purpose, and the brotherhood of being part of a team working toward a unified goal (Super Bowl). Playing in the NFL is a unique experience. The level of detail, expertise, and focus required to win is unlike anything I’ve encountered before or since. I used to tell people how humbling the NFL was. Many assume that professional athletes are arrogant, but in my experience, there was way more arrogance in high school and college. At the pro level, you know the reality—nothing is guaranteed. Every player understands that any play could be their last. Every day, the team is looking for someone younger, cheaper, and better to replace you. That’s just the game. So, you give everything you have just to last one more day. That’s part of why it’s so difficult to detach from that identity after you leave. It took me years to do so, and I’ll be honest—it wasn’t a graceful process. I was bitter. But over time, I learned to appreciate my journey. I found gratitude for my past, and several years ago, my entire world transformed in ways I never expected. Thank you, Houston Texans for this thoughtful gift. You have a family member for life.