‘It meant a lot’: Texans Cam Akers visits cancer patients at Houston Methodist West as part of NFL Crucial Catch

HOUSTON – Growing up in Mississippi, Cam Akers was 11 years old as he watched his mother, Angela Neal, bravely battle and ultimately win her fight with breast cancer.

His mother’s example taught the Texans running back how to be a fighter.

Ever since, Akers has been inspired by how his mom has lived her life. And that courage has carried him through his time as a blue-chip recruit to Florida State as the top-ranked running back in the nation and a second-round draft pick of the Los Angeles Rams, overcoming two torn Achilles tendons in the NFL, then making the Texans’ roster after being signed to a one-year “prove-it” deal, and starting against the Minnesota Vikings last Sunday.

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On Tuesday, Akers spent his off day visiting cancer patients at Houston Methodist West Hospital with the Texans cheerleaders as part of the NFL’s annual Crucial Catch initiative to raise awareness and risk reduction.

A cancer patient told Akers how he’s up to his final of 12 chemotherapy treatments.

“I’m praying for you that everything works out,” Akers told the man. “So, I just like to come out and connect with people. I’m praying for you that everything is going to work out. I’m not crying. It’s just watering from the mask. You’ve got a story. It’s amazing. You’re going to be just fine.”

Akers met with several patients, posing for photographs and offering encouragement along with a support dog who visits them twice a week.

“It meant a lot,” Akers told KPRC 2. “My mom is a breast cancer survivor, so being able to put a smile om somebody’s face, it’s always a blessing. I was able to do that today, so I feel accomplished.

“It was, in a way, motivating. Motivating me not to be a complainer. Everyone has their own battles they’re fighting. Some worse than others. It’s motivation for me to keep a smile on my face no matter what I’m going through.”

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