Texans give Santa Fe team close-up view
Pros try to play a part in healing process for high school’s athletes
Huddled around the Texans’ practice field Tuesday afternoon, the Santa Fe High School football team was in a collective good mood.
Sharing comments about acrobatic catches and marveling at the fact that they were watching their idols during an actual NFL practice, the group of teenagers and coaches used this visit as a respite from dwelling on a recent tragedy.
In the wake of 10 people being killed during a school shooting at Santa Fe, the Texans invited the football team and coaching staff to attend practice.
“We try to preach to them and teach them to enjoy this sanctuary and get away from things and keep that pure,” Santa Fe assistant coach Richard Davis said. “Being out here got them back to football a little bit. It gave them a chance to be kids and be football players again.
“We have a lot of healing and growing to do. The Texans are on our side. They’re with us. They’re praying for us.”
The Texans pledged a $100,000 donation to the Santa Fe Strong memorial fund. The money has been earmarked for grief counseling and support services. Texans star defensive end J.J. Watt offered to pay for funeral expenses for victims’ families.
“It’s just great to have them here, to be able to see practice, meet our players and there’s a good example of what I was talking about the other day with our players,” Texans coach Bill O’Brien said. “Our players really are hands-on when it comes to the community and Houston, and it’s good to see this here.”
Several Texans players have visited Santa Fe since the mass shooting, including former Rice defensive lineman Christian Covington. Covington sought out Davis after meeting him previously at the high school.
“He came over and found me,” Davis said. “Everybody is so heartfelt. It’s not a Santa Fe problem, it’s a human problem. It’s something we’ll all come together and fix together.”
After practice was over, all of the Texans came over to sign autographs, pose for pictures and talk with the Santa Fe players.
“You see a lot of them smiling,” Texans rookie safety Justin Reid said. “You’re signing balls so you can hold a short conversation with them. You can really feel that these kids are all so strong. It’s awesome being able to interact with them and try and make some impact, just try to give them a smile.”