Texans, Reliant surprise Houston area student-athletes with $10,000 scholarships at NRG Stadium

HOUSTON – As Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair and former wide receiver Cecil Shorts III looked on, Reliant senior director of community relations surprised six Houston area student-athletes with $10,000 scholarships apiece at NRG Stadium.

They received the scholarships for their education during Reliant and the Texans’ annual Scholarship for Champions program that has raised more than $700,000 since its inception in 2005.

Al-Shaair shared his story of how he and his family were homeless during his teenage years, living in a hotel in Florida. His scholarship to Florida Atlantic University made all the difference for him. A former undrafted free agent, Al-Shaair signed a three-year, $34 million contract this offseason, reuniting with Texans coach DeMeco Ryans, his former position coach and defensive coordinator with the San Francisco 49ers.

“We are moved by the inspirational stories of each of these student-athletes, their resilience, dedication and unwavering commitment on the field, in the classroom and in the community, serve as examples to all,” Schneider said. “We wish them the best of luck as they embark on this exciting new chapter and know their strong foundations will carry them on a pathway to success.. We’re rooting for all of them.”

The students who were honored:

Dade Delva, a senior at Northbrook High School.

Hagen Greenberg, a senior at Sweeny High School.

Avary Grover, a senior at Foster High School.

Da’Vaughn Johnson, a senior at Furr High School.

Brook Jackson, a senior at Seven Lakes High School.

Akyrah King, a senior at Hempstead High School.

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