‘It means everything to me,’ Steven Sims Jr. on giving back at barber shop, re-signing with hometown Texans

HOUSTON – Inside the barber shop where he’s been getting hair cuts his entire life, Texans wide receiver and returner Steven Sims Jr. reflected on the significance of being back here giving back in Alief.

On Good Friday, in partnership with The Bridge Southwest Community Church, the Travis High School graduate gave out free hair cuts to 75 young at Nu Era Barber Shop along with providing Pizza Hut and other refreshments.

“It means everything to me,” Sims told KPRC 2. “Here at the barber shop where I grew up, I’ve been coming here since I was one. I’ve been coming here my whole life. Just wanted to give back and help out as much as I can. It’s my birthday weekend, so me and the church we decided to come together and partner up and give back.”

Sims took time to interact with several young people, including playing catch with Little League football players. He asked them about their future plans, including what college they want to attend.

“It’s all coming together,” he said. “It’s like a family.”

Sims was joined by his parents and caught up with the barber who’s been cutting his hair since he was a baby.

“Lot of stories here,” Sims said. “This is my barber here. I used to give him a hard time. Many stories in the barber shop. Many memories in the barber shop.”

Another enjoyable story for Sims: Being back with his hometown Texans for the second year in a row.

Sims was signed to a one-year, $1.325 million contract recently as a free agent by the defending AFC South champions.

“It’s a blessing,” Sims said. “I can’t wait. I’m excited for the year. I’m blessed to be back home and get another chance at it. Hopefully, we get that ring this year. That’s the goal.”

Sims returned a punt 67 yards for a touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens in an AFC divisional round playoff game loss. Sims high-stepped into the end zone.

It was the first playoff punt return for a score in the NFL since 2013.

“It’s definitely more so a confidence boost,” said Sims, who had three catches for 25 yards and four punt returns for 49 yards and three kickoff returns for 71 yards in limited regular-season action. “I know and believe in myself and know what I can do. It was a confidence boost heading into the offseason. I want to pick up where I left off.”

Sims was promoted to the active roster spot from the practice squad for the Ravens game after wide receiver Noah Brown was placed on injured reserve with a shoulder injury, a torn labrum.

Sims, who played collegiately at Kansas and signed with the Washington franchise after going undrafted, plans to hold another youth football camp at his high school again.

“We’ve got to put the work in and have a great camp, a great preseason and have a great season,” said Sims, who has also played for the Pittsburgh Steelers. “We had a lot of momentum at the end of the year.”

Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com.