‘Really uplifted us’ Texans surprise United Way community responders after Hurricane Beryl

HOUSTON – As Lynn Baldwin walked into the room and saw Texans players, cheerleaders and Toro waiting for her and her work colleagues, she was genuinely surprised and started high-fiving them.

“Texans!” Baldwin said. “Oh my goodness!”

It was an emotional day for Baldwin and her fellow community responders from the United Way of Greater Houston. They didn’t know beforehand that they would meet current Texans players Azeez Al-Shaair, Jimmie Ward, Jake Hansen and retired player Earl Mitchell along with cheerleaders and Toro, the defending AFC South champions’ mascot.

The Texans visited the United Way to thank them for their tireless work during Hurricane Beryl, responding to emergency calls on a 2-1-1 helpline that provides support for those needing utility, housing public benefits and food assistance.

“The Texans are my team,” Baldwin said while standing next to United Way of Greater Houston president and CEO Amanda McMillian after a lunch from Kroger. “I love the Texans, I love ‘em, I love ‘em, I love ‘em. I’m ready for the season to start. I’m ready. We have worked hard. We have worked extra hours. We have been without power, some are still without power.

“It’s been overwhelming, but fulfilling to know you are helping somebody else. To have the Texans among us, that means a lot. I’m ready to go back to work. I’m ready to get back on the phone. This has really uplifted us.”

The Texans are longtime supporters of United Way, giving more than $13.3 million to aid their efforts since 2002.

‘It’s a pretty cool experience to come here and show our support and help represent Houston, Texas and show that we care and that it hasn’t gone unnoticed what the United Way does for the community,” Ward said. “I’m happy I get to be a part of it, to see the smiles on their faces. Especially before camp starts and just to show support and let them know how selfless it was for them to be here and be in the community during this hurricane. I know how bad this hurricane was, and these people were out here helping other people, even though they had their own problems going on.”

Ward experienced some difficulties during the storm, too.

“I caught the back end of it,” Ward said. “Power was out. Trees were everywhere. I had a few family members help out and tried to get them in a hotel. It affected me as well.”

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