Texas Southern University (TSU) recently unveiled a two-year partnership with the Houston Texans, affording the HBCU‘s student-athletes brand-new opportunities.

There are three “core initiatives” within this joint partnership: improving TSU athletic facilities, providing more scholarships for female athletes and promoting community engagement.

The groundbreaking matter was announced on Wednesday during an event honoring Texans head coach Lovie Smith, held at the TSU Library Learning Center.

“The Houston Texans are proud to partner with TSU to support the university’s student-athletes, coaches and staff,” Cal McNair, the NFL team’s Chair and CEO, said.

“It is our hope that this partnership will enrich the next generation’s love of the game of football while providing unique opportunities to our community’s future leaders,” he added.

TSU President Dr. Lesia L. Crumpton-Young also spoke on the 2-year deal.

“This partnership with the Texans will assist in transforming the lives of our TSU students. This investment [provides] our scholar-athletes [with] additional resources to ensure their success on and off the field,” she noted.

“Given the facilities, enhancements to professional development, internships and scholarships, our young scholars will exhibit exemplary performance,” Crumpton-Young continued.

 

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Smith, the event’s honoree, thanked TSU for opening the doors of opportunity for many students.

“I want to say thank you. Everything I have in life I can owe to my education. You know, someone taking a chance on giving me an opportunity. That’s exactly what we’re getting here at Texas Southern,” he said.

“Our leaders of tomorrow are really right here, so we appreciate this opportunity that you’re giving so many students,” Smith continued.

Smith personally connected with the members of the TSU football squad as he has a long coaching resume filled with numerous different college football and NFL teams.

Meeting the Texans’ Head Coach was definitely a great opportunity for the young athletes.