A little rain couldn't stop Houston Texans players, coaches and charitable golfers from teeing off for a good cause.
The 12th annual Houston Texans Charity Golf Classic took place at the River Oaks Country Club on Monday afternoon. Participants and sponsors helped raise over $370,000 for the Houston Texans Foundation, which supports the Houston Texans YMCA, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston and the Houston Food Bank.
Texans chairman and CEO Bob McNair, President Jamey Rootes, head coach Bill O'Brien and general manager Rick Smith were in full golf-mode, ready to wrap up a successful draft with a relaxing day on the course. McNair was on-hand to discuss the event, which has made a contribution of over $4 million dollars to date.
"It's great, it gets the players out here and gets a lot of folks in the community an opportunity to see them up close," McNair said. "Our sponsors have been great supporters, and we've raised a lot of money for our primary charities. This is a great way to do it."
Texans players, coaches, executive staff and charity golfers particpated in the 12th annual Houston Texans Charity Golf Classic.
"You look at what they've done to this point, raising $4 million overall, 370 grand this year," O'Brien added. "You come out to things like this and it's really a lot of fun, and it's all for a great cause. It makes it a great day."
Each team consisted of a Texans celebrity paired with four golfers. The day included driving range practice, lunch and a game of 18 holes and concluded with a dinner reception.
For center Chris Myers, the Charity Golf Classic is one of his favorite fundraisers. The ten-year veteran says the event is so packed that it takes eight hours to get through the course.
"There's no one that gives back to the community more than Mr. McNair and his wife Janice," Myers said. "For us to be able to come out and be a part of this means a lot year in and year out."
A general manager's job is never finished, but for Smith, a day out on the green was a welcomed change of scenery from the Texans draft room.
"I'm going to play a little golf today," Smith, sporting a "Life is Good" visor, said with a smile. "I think I deserve that."
