Charge Led by Former Stars of the Houston Texans

The legacy of an NFL franchise isn’t just defined by current players—it’s shaped by the former stars who carry its values forward, leading charges that extend far beyond the gridiron. For the Houston Texans, a group of beloved ex-players has emerged as leaders in diverse fields: coaching the next generation, advocating for community change, and even continuing to compete at the highest level of football. These former Texans aren’t just nostalgia figures; they’re active forces driving progress, whether it’s turning around a struggling college program, fighting for youth sports access, or mentoring current NFL talent. Charge Led by Former Stars of the Houston Texans isn’t just a tribute to past glory—it’s a celebration of how the franchise’s greatest players have turned their success on the field into lasting impact off it.

Charge Led by Former Stars of the Houston Texans begins with J.J. Watt, the Texans’ all-time sack leader, whose post-NFL charge has focused on transforming college football programs and supporting disaster relief. After retiring from the NFL in 2022, Watt took on a surprising role: minority owner and unofficial advisor to the University of Wisconsin’s football team, his alma mater. He’s not just a figurehead—Watt has worked closely with head coach Luke Fickell to revamp the Badgers’ strength and conditioning program, share NFL-level leadership strategies with players, and even fund a new nutrition center for the team. “I wanted to give back to the program that gave me my start,” Watt said in an interview. “Football taught me discipline, teamwork, and resilience—and I want to pass those lessons on to young players who are just beginning their journeys.” Beyond football, Watt’s charge for disaster relief continues: his foundation, established during his Texans tenure, has raised over $50 million for communities affected by hurricanes, floods, and wildfires. In 2024, he led a fundraiser that provided 10,000 meals to Houston families impacted by a winter storm—a reminder of his unwavering connection to the city that embraced him for a decade.

A powerful community-focused charge in Charge Led by Former Stars of the Houston Texans comes from Andre Johnson, the Texans’ all-time leading receiver, who has dedicated himself to closing the opportunity gap for Houston’s youth. Johnson, who retired in 2016, founded the Andre Johnson Foundation, which runs free football camps for underserved kids, provides college scholarships to student-athletes, and partners with local schools to fund STEM programs. In 2024, he launched a new initiative: “Texans Legacy Academies,” a network of after-school programs that combine academic tutoring with sports mentorship, staffed by former NFL players and local educators. “When I was a kid in Miami, I had people who believed in me and gave me opportunities,” Johnson said. “Now, I want to be that person for kids in Houston. The city supported me throughout my career, and this is my way of paying it forward.” Johnson’s charge has already made a tangible difference: over 500 kids have participated in his football camps, and 23 scholarship recipients have gone on to graduate from college. He also remains a frequent presence at Texans home games, where he often meets with young fans and shares stories about the importance of hard work and education.

Charge Led by Former Stars of the Houston Texans also includes Matt Schaub, the Texans’ former franchise quarterback, whose current charge is shaping the next generation of NFL signal-callers—including the Houston Texans’ own CJ Stroud. Schaub, who played for the Texans from 2007 to 2013, returned to the franchise in 2023 as a special assistant to the quarterbacks coach, tasked with mentoring Stroud, the rookie phenom. Schaub’s role goes beyond film study: he works with Stroud on game management, handling media pressure, and even navigating the mental challenges of being an NFL starter. “CJ has all the physical tools—arm strength, accuracy, mobility—but the mental side of the game takes time,” Schaub said. “I’m here to share what I learned during my time in the league, both the successes and the mistakes, to help him grow faster.” For the Houston Texans, Schaub’s charge is invaluable: Stroud has emerged as a Rookie of the Year candidate, leading the Texans to a playoff push, and he frequently credits Schaub for his guidance. “Matt has been like a big brother to me,” Stroud said. “He’s been where I am, and his advice has helped me stay calm in tough situations. Having someone with Texans history in my corner means a lot.”

Another inspiring charge in Charge Led by Former Stars of the Houston Texans is Brian Cushing, the Texans’ former All-Pro linebacker, who has turned his passion for fitness into a charge to help veterans and first responders stay healthy. Cushing, who retired in 2018, founded “Cushing’s Crew,” a nonprofit that offers free strength and conditioning programs to military veterans and first responders in the Houston area. The program, which includes group workouts, nutrition coaching, and mental health support, is designed to help those who serve cope with stress and stay physically fit. “Veterans and first responders sacrifice so much for our community, and they often neglect their own health,” Cushing said. “I wanted to create a space where they could come together, work out, and support each other—just like a football team. That camaraderie is powerful, and it can help them through tough times.” For the Houston Texans, Cushing’s charge aligns with the franchise’s own commitment to supporting veterans: the team often hosts “Salute to Service” games, and players frequently visit military bases. Cushing’s work has become an extension of that mission, strengthening the bond between the Texans, former players, and the heroes of the Houston community.

Finally, Charge Led by Former Stars of the Houston Texans wraps up with the collective impact of these charges—and how they keep the Texans’ legacy alive. J.J. Watt’s dedication to football and disaster relief, Andre Johnson’s work with youth, Matt Schaub’s mentoring of current players, and Brian Cushing’s support for veterans—all of these efforts reflect the values the Texans have stood for since their founding: resilience, community, and leadership. They also show that being a “Texan for life” isn’t just a slogan—it’s a commitment to making the franchise and the city better. For the Houston Texans, these former stars are more than alumni; they’re ambassadors who carry the team’s name with pride and purpose. “Our former players are a vital part of our family,” Texans owner Cal McNair said. “The charges they’re leading off the field are just as important as the plays they made on it. They inspire our current players, our fans, and our community—and they remind us of what it means to be a Houston Texan.” Charge Led by Former Stars of the Houston Texans ultimately reveals that a franchise’s greatest legacy isn’t in trophies or records—it’s in the people who use their platform to lead, serve, and inspire. And for the Texans, those former stars are leading a charge that will shape the franchise and the city for years to come.