‘With joy,’ Texans players, Hannah McNair give back with Thanksgiving meals for families at NRG Stadium

HOUSTON – A long line of cars rolled up to NRG Stadium, greeted by several Texans players and foundation vice president Hannah McNair with Thanksgiving meals as the defending AFC South champions handed out turkeys and sides.

They gave out 1,000 meals in advance of the holiday, giving back to families in need.

“It’s a great feeling,” veteran long snapper Jon Weeks said. “Anytime you’re able to give back, our organization, our players, they do a fantastic job whenever the opportunity presents itself, giving back. There’s no better way of giving back than right now, providing for families with turkeys and some food for Thanksgiving and help them make their Thanksgiving better.

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“It’s been great. Everybody’s been incredible grateful, thankful, encouraging and positive and just wishing each other, hopefully, a happy Thanksgiving.”

Weeks was joined by teammates Azeez Al-Shaair, Danielle Hunter, Xavier Hutchinson, Jeff Okudah, Del’Shawn Phillips, Jimmie Ward, Johnny Johnson III, Jawhar Jordan, J.J.Taylor, Tommy Togiai, Kilian Zierer, Jared Wayne and Toro, in partnership with Kroger.

“It feels good just to give back,” Hutchinson said. “It’s always easy to lose your place in the world, especially when you’ve got a lot of things going on. Just being able to give back to the people who need it the most, it always comes with joy.

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“It’s beyond how their day changes and how with each interaction I change my lifestyle, my perspective. I’m always grateful for that and blessed to have this opportunity to be able to help.”

With Thanksgiving coming up, Weeks always looked forward to his mother’s deviled egg recipe.

His wife, Amanda Worthy Weeks, sticks with the classic dishes.

“She makes them really well,” Weeks said. “We keep it classic and I’m looking forward to spending time with the family for Thanksgiving.”

Hutchinson’s favorites are sweet potatoes, macaroni and cheese, butter beans, collard greens and mashed potatoes.

After a short workout Thursday, Texans coach DeMeco Ryans gives the players the rest of the day off to be with their families for the holiday.

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“That Thursday night, you’ve got to sleep it off,” Hutchinson said. “You have to sleep. You have to get to bed early. When I wake up Friday, you should feel refreshed.”

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