Former Houston Stars Receive Prestigious Award By Group Supporting Overlooked NFL Veterans

HOUSTON — Former Houston Texans standouts Andre Johnson and Wade Smith were honored Thursday night by the Pro Football Retired Players Association at its second annual Champions Banquet, held at NRG Stadium.

Johnson, a Pro Football Hall of Famer, and Smith, a longtime NFL offensive lineman, were recognized for their contributions on and off the field. The event served as a fundraiser for the organization, which supports former players who retired before 2013 — many of whom left the game without the financial security or medical benefits afforded to modern stars.

"I'm involved in it because it helps guys," Dupree, a member of the organization’s board, said.

Kandyace Mayberry, Director of Alumni Relations for the Houston Texans, and Lemuel Stinson, founder of the Lemuel Stinson Foundation and the NFL Alumni Houston Chapter President, were also recognized with the FRPA Champion Award, respectively. Johnson founded the Andre Johnson Charitable Foundation while Smith started the Wade Smith Foundation.

The PFRPA provides dental and vision plans and other benefits to retired athletes, particularly those who played during the 1960s through the early 2000s — eras before the explosion of player salaries and robust post-career support systems.

"I didn’t really know much about the organization before," Johnson said. "But it's always great to be honored. They do a lot of great things for retired players."

Based in Virginia, the PFRPA was established to help fill the gaps in care and recognition for players who helped build the league before the NFL became a multibillion-dollar enterprise.