Texans’ Laremy Tunsil holds annual youth football camp: ‘Incredibly important to me, a chance to give back’

HOUSTON – Houston Texans star Laremy Tunsil broke the huddle of youngsters, imparting knowledge about football and the importance of teamwork.

During his second annual youth football camp Sunday at the Texans’ indoor training facility, the Pro Bowl left offensive tackle spent time teaching, having fun and benefiting roughly 125 kids from low-income families and underserved communities in the Houston area.

“This week is incredibly important to me,” said Tunsil, whose camp was presented by AK Law Firm with lunch provided by Buffalo Wild Wings, sponsored by Chase and included brand new cleats and shirt. It’s a chance to give back to the community that has supported me and to create opportunities for those who need it the most. I appreciate our brand sponsors who have like-minded goals to pour back into the Houston community, such as lululemon, Chase, Buffalo Wild Wings, and AK Law Firm. Their support allows us to make an even bigger impact and reach more people.”

Tunsil launched his charitable foundation, Divine Blessings, this week.

“Some of these young kids you might see in the NFL one day,” said Laolu Sanni, Tunsil’s business manager and friend. “It went well so far. LT always has his mission of giving back to the community. It’s a good tie for these kids with a Pro Bowl athlete to drop gems, life lessons and enjoy ourselves.”

The Divine Tree week included a wellness retreat for single mothers. Tunsil was raised by a single mother. Single mothers from Gracewood had a shopping spree at lululemon, a private yoga and meditation session and a brunch and fireside chat with wellness coaches and supported by Mane ‘n Tail and Evolution of Smooth.

There was also an entrepreneur mixer with J.P. Morgan Chase & Co., with 50 entrepreneurs at Jolie.

There’s a lot of excitement surrounding the defending AFC South champions, who are even more loaded on offense with quarterback C.J. Stroud, wide receivers Stefon Diggs, Nico Collins and Tank Dell, tight end Dalton Schultz and running back Joe Mixon.

“It’s an exciting season,” Sanni said. “He’s locked in. He’s Super Bowl ready. He’s focused and trying to have the best season of his career. The whole city is excited. The whole Divine Tree is excited. It’s going to be a special season for the whole city.”

After the camp, there was a lunch of wings and nuggets provided by Buffalo Wild Wings.

“We are always thrilled to partner with Laremy and his foundation to support the kids in our local communities,” said Bryan Solaris, regional vice president of Buffalo Wild Wings.

On Monday morning, Tunsil launches a pantry program in collaboration with the Urban Enrichment Institute in the Fifth Ward.

This year-long initiative will provide easy-to-prepare food items and essential supplies such as sneakers, t-shirts, socks, toothbrushes, and soap to kids who depend on after-school programs for their last meal of the day.

“It was a great camp, a great turnout with a lot of kids from local nonprofit organizations,” said Laila Souktani of Legacy Philanthropy. “We’re very intentional with the kids we bring out. We want to bring out kids who can’t necessarily afford a camp. The kids are learning and enjoying.”

The charitable foundation is launching along with a $100,000 financial commitment to the city of Houston.

“It’s something he’s wanted to do for a while, and he’s excited to make that announcement in partnership with Urban Enrichment Institute. It’s a phenomenal organization and it will be providing pantry items to kids who need it. A lot of kids depend on the school system for their food and now they can get the nourishment they need during the summer.”

Tunsil has partnered with AK Law Firm for the past few years

“We love to be partnered with Laremy Tunsil whenever we can,” said attorney Andrew Kumar of AK Law Firm. “He loves giving back to the community and we have a community focus at our law firm. We put our clients first. We’re super excited to partner with Laremy again.”

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