Reflections on the 2nd Annual PFRPA Champions Banquet

On September 25, the Pro Football Retired Players Association (PFRPA) hosted the 2nd Annual PFRPA Champions Banquet at the Directors Club at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. The heartfelt celebration honored retired NFL players making a positive impact, as well as individuals who have made significant contributions to the former player community. Building on the success of last year’s PFRPA Champions Luncheon, this year’s celebration was even bigger. 

With the Houston skyline on one side of the venue and the Texans’ home field on the other, the Directors Club provided an unforgettable atmosphere. The event brought together retired NFL players, families, friends and wider community for the celebration. 

As guests arrived, they greeted one another with laughter and stories, reliving old memories and creating new ones. A silent auction offered bidding opportunities for signed sports and entertainment memorabilia throughout the evening. As the formal proceedings of the PFRPA Champions Awards ceremony commenced, attendees took their seats and were served a three-course meal. 

As part of the fundraising event, the PFRPA Champions Award was presented to four recipients in recognition and appreciation of their efforts as champions for the communities they serve. 

Andre Johnson, Pro Football Hall of Famer and Retired Houston Texans Wide Receiver

Since his rookie season with the Houston Texans, Johnson has consistently given back to the Greater Houston area and his hometown of Miami, with a particular focus on supporting children and families in need. Throughout the years, Johnson has hosted youth shopping sprees and distributed Thanksgiving meals within his local community.

Kandyace Mayberry, Director of Alumni Relations at the Houston Texans

Mayberry has been with the Houston Texans since 2008. In her current position, she plays a key leadership role in assisting the Texans former player community. Additionally, she has been instrumental in facilitating the Texans' relationship within the Greater Houston community and assisting with fundraising efforts for the Houston Texans Foundation.

Wade Smith, Retired Houston Texans Guard and Founder of the Wade Smith Foundation

Smith, a former guard and Pro Bowler for the Houston Texans between 2010 and 2013, is also the founder of the Wade Smith Foundation. The Foundation supports youth programs in the Greater Houston and Dallas/Fort Worth Areas with a focus on literacy and education. Two major programs of the Foundation include the “Reading with the Pros” literacy program (RWTP) and the "Smitty’s Scholars” scholarship program.

Lemuel Stinson, NFL Alumni Houston Chapter President and Founder of the Lemuel Stinson Foundation.

Stinson, a native Houstonian and former cornerback for the Chicago Bears and Atlanta Falcons, heads the local NFL Alumni Chapter for NFL players who reside in the area. He also founded the Lemuel Stinson Foundation in 2016, which focuses on championing initiatives aimed at youth and military veterans.

The night was emceed by Fox 26 Houston’s Nate Griffin, who elevated the evening with his energy, humor and sincere appreciation towards the honorees, retired players and guests in attendance. Griffin is best known for his role as the sports reporter/anchor on Fox 26’s The Morning Show, and also serves as a color analyst for Rice Owls radio football broadcasts. On the morning of the Banquet, Griffin interviewed PFRPA Board Member Mike Singletary. He also spoke with PFRPA Board President Ron Mix and PFRPA Board Member Ahman Green during a special live broadcast from the event on the Fox 26 evening news. 

We extend a heartfelt thank you to our event sponsors: Hall of Fame Health, Medtronic, H-E-B, Delta Dental, The Pathways Foundation and VSP Vision Care. This special event would not have been possible without their generous support. We are deeply grateful for their partnership in celebrating retired players and honoring those making a positive impact in the community.

The Banquet concluded with a number of giveaways, including a raffle to win sunglasses donated by VSP Vision Care and a golden ticket reveal where one person at each table took home a PFRPA mini helmet.

All proceeds from the event went to the Greater Good Fund, PFRPA's 501(c)(3) charitable foundation, which offers benefits, programs and initiatives for retired NFL players. Thank you to our event sponsors, retired players and guests who attended on the night to support our mission!