Will Anderson Jr., the Houston Texans' defensive end, will be the first to tell you that talking about hurricane season can be a bit of unfamiliar territory for him.
"Being from Georgia, I didn't know anything about hurricanes like that because we don't really experience them," Anderson shared in an exclusive interview with Texans Wire earlier this month. "But seeing that they're taking matters like this to spread awareness to help the community, to help them prepare the right way, to help them come up with a plan, it's really special."
The reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year has partnered with USAA for their 'Huddle up for Hurricane Prep' initiative, aiming to raise awareness around hurricane preparedness in Houston. It's a cause that resonated with Anderson immediately after he was drafted third overall out of the University of Alabama.
"It's really been just the last couple of months, honestly," Anderson said about his partnership with USAA. "Seeing the different things that happen in the state and being able to say, OK, there's something I want to be a part of. There's something that I think will help benefit people. That's what I really want to do."
Key Elements of Hurricane Preparedness:
- Emergency Kits: Ensure you have a well-stocked first-aid kit.
- Pet Safety: Don’t forget to include pets in your emergency plan.
- Insurance Coverage: Review and update your insurance policies.
- Essential Supplies: Stock up on non-perishable food and water.
Anderson, whose family includes retired military members, saw working with the NFL's Official Salute to Service Partner as an "incredible opportunity." This partnership allowed him to offer a broad range of advice on preparing for hurricane season, from ensuring pets are safe to confirming insurance coverage.
"We just want to take the right precautions to make sure everybody prepares the right way," Anderson emphasized. "They have a plan, going to the grocery store, making sure that you have a first-aid kit if anything happens because the weather can change at any moment and also make sure that we're not leaving any pets behind, making sure you have great insurance and everything like that."
Since arriving in Houston, Anderson has been committed to making a positive impact both on and off the field. He’s dedicated to giving back to the community, a sentiment shared by his fellow Texans rookie, quarterback C.J. Stroud. Stroud was recently seen helping clean up the community after a massive storm left nearly a million Houstonians without power.
Anderson’s passion for community involvement is evident. He described meeting some of the local leaders who are instrumental in hurricane preparedness and relief efforts as a true blessing. "I got to meet some amazing leaders of this beautiful country, the local Coast Guard, of course, Harris County Office of Emergency and Management. To be able to be here and be able to help give back to our community, it's really a blessing."
The Houston Texans had high expectations for Anderson when they traded up nine spots to draft him, and he has delivered on all fronts. As a rookie, he's quickly emerging as one of the NFL's premier edge rushers. But his influence extends beyond the gridiron; he's also becoming one of the faces of the Houston community, embodying the spirit of giving back and civic duty.
Anderson's dedication to hurricane preparedness is just one facet of his broader commitment to making a difference. His involvement with the USAA initiative highlights the importance of being proactive and ready for any emergency. The steps he advocates for – having a plan, preparing emergency kits, and ensuring pet safety – are practical actions that can make a significant difference in the event of a hurricane.
Being an NFL star comes with a platform, and Anderson is using his to shine a light on crucial issues like hurricane preparedness. His efforts show that athletes can be powerful advocates for community safety and wellbeing. By engaging with initiatives like 'Huddle up for Hurricane Prep,' Anderson is not only contributing to his team's success but also to the resilience and preparedness of the entire Houston community.
In conclusion, Will Anderson Jr.'s transition from a top draft pick to a key player for the Texans includes a deep commitment to his new home. His work with the USAA to promote hurricane preparedness is a testament to his character and his dedication to making a positive impact. As Houston braces for hurricane season, having leaders like Anderson advocating for readiness and community support makes a tangible difference.
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