‘I want to leave a legacy, to be any help that I can,’ Texans’ Will Anderson Jr., parents pitch in at Houston Food Bank

HOUSTON – The music was playing, so, as always, Tereon Anderson was dancing to the beat.

The mother of Texans Pro Bowl defensive end Will Anderson Jr. was pitching in and having fun at the Houston Food Bank alongside her son, the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, and his father, Will Anderson Sr.

Anderson has a big family, He’s the baby of the bunch with five older sisters.

“She loves stuff like this,” Anderson told KPRC 2. “Her and my daddy raised six kids, so all we know is a big family. All we know is happy times. All we know is being together and speaking as one and and that’s what she wants to point to the world. I feel like that’s our calling. That’s what God has blessed us to do. People love her so much, and she does a phenomenal job of helping me. As you can see, man, she just lights up a room.

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“God has blessed me to have this platform. I want to leave a legacy, man. I think it all starts as much as on the field, off the field. And that’s giving back in the community, helping those in need and just being there for them. The fans, the community, they do so much for us and I feel like we should do a lot for them because they’re the ones out there. And we’re here for the city, so I just want to be any help that I can and take care of the people in the city of Houston.”

Since being drafted third overall by the Texans last season, Anderson has made an impact on and off the field. He has 9 1/2 sacks this season with 12 tackles for losses and one fumble recovery. Last season, he had seven sacks, 45 tackles, 10 tackles for losses and 22 quarterback hits.

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Off the field, Anderson has been instrumental in the community through his work with the Houston Food Bank and other charitable ventures, including the importance of education and after-school programs and mentoring. It all started at home with the example of his parents.

“That’s the foundation right there,” Anderson said. “That’s the foundation of why I’m like this. They’re the reason why I’m here supporting and giving back. There’s still so much for be to be able to give back to others. Treat people how you want to be treated. They help me out a lot and I’m so appreciative of them. I have an awesome family. God has truly blessed me with them.”

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By helping others, Anderson is helping to provide meals to families in need. Not everyone has the same advantages as others. It’s about perspective.

“It’s very unfortunate,” he said. “It’s like you want to save the whole world and you want to do so much. One step at a time. That’s why you have to start with things like this and giving back and making sure that everything counts. I could be at home right, chilling, but it’s important to me to help those in need and to give back to the community and do everything we can to give to people that can’t have a big Thanksgiving and can’t do everything that we can do. Anyway that I can be of assistance to the community, I will.”

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Grounded, friendly and down to earth, Anderson enjoys talking to fans and interacting with those who support him.

“I enjoy it,” he said. “It’s exciting to me because I’m more than just a football player on the field. I’m human. What better way than to talk to people? I’m just like you. We all have a purpose in life. Just to give back to these kids and have conversations and show them I’m not bigger than anybody in this world, man, I’m regular just like you. It’s a blessing.”

What are Anderson’s favorite dishes for the holiday?

“I’ve got to have yams and macaroni and cheese, and I’ll be making them together,” he said. “I’ve got to have that and the cranberry sauce.”

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The Texans have a light workout Thursday before coach DeMeco Ryans releases them for the day to be with their families. How does Anderson balance enjoying the holiday meal while not being so stuffed he can’t run on Friday and, more importantly, Sunday at his fastest?

“I’m way more disciplined than I was last year,” Anderson said. “Last year, I just pigged out and it was like, whatever happens, happens. This year, I’m going to have a small plate and not even worry about having to get into a routine. I’ll just have a little plate of food and just save the rest.”

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