Texans’ Will Anderson Jr. delivers message of faith, support to military veterans at Camp Hope: ‘Means the world to me’

HOUSTON – Will Anderson Jr. leaned forward, looking intently into an audience of military veterans who wanted to get to know him better and learn about his story and his why.

And Anderson was an open book one day after celebrating his record-setting $150 million contract extension as the highest paid non-quarterback in NFL history. He provided encouragement, perspective and his strong message of religious faith Wednesday during his return to Camp Hope while giving an NFL draft chalk talk with Texans broadcaster Marc Vandermeer.

Camp Hope is an interim housing program in Houston operated by the PTSD Foundation of America. This marks the second time the Texans’ All-Pro defensive end has visited Camp Hope, which helps military service members to relieve the effects of combat trauma with peer support, mentoring and professional development at no cost to them or their families.

Anderson fielded questions about everything from adversity he’s overcome, how he built his spirituality, to playing video games (He’s not a Madden guy, and prefers NCAA football), fishing on Lake Conroe and tips about how to lift weights.

“It means everything,” Anderson said during an event led by American National Insurance, the official military partner of the Texans. “This place is built on hope. It’s built on improving life, getting closer to God, faith. And these guys are finding faith and finding hope. It’s just great to be a part of it, but also just to show that the community is behind them

“I’m really big in faith, really big in God, and giving back to the community. To come in here the very first time, it was very life-changing. To see how guys have started one way then came out another way and came out on top, and everything they had to endure and overcome, it was really special.”

For Anderson, faith is something he has grown comfortable talking about.

And he wants volunteer work to become his legacy. Whether it’s the Houston Food Bank or talking at schools and giving away bicycles, Anderson is heavily involved and grounded in the Houston community.

“They was talking about legacy,” Anderson said. “The accolades is fun, but I think the biggest thing about legacy is the impact that you have on people. How are you a positive role model your community? When somebody asks about you, what type of person would you want them to say that you were? I really pride myself on, you know, being a positive influence and leaving an impact wherever I go. It make me feel great.”

Anderson was recently at Barnes & Noble bookstore in Florida when he struck up a conversation. For that individual and Anderson, it was significant.

“When the whole conversation was over, he had no idea who I was,” Anderson said. “He said, ‘Man, I really appreciate you talking to me today. I just wanted someone to talk to me today.’ And that’s really what people want.

“People want someone that they can relate to, that will give them some attention, to talk to them, and to acknowledge that they’re human beings as well. We’re all humans. No matter what platform you on, how much money you make, we’re all humans.”

Anderson’s faith has been tested at times, but he has learned a lot and strengthened his beliefs through his conversations with team chaplain Mikado Hinson and previously with team development director Dylan Thompson, who’s now with the Washington Commanders.

“Nothing really holds you down,” Anderson said. “As long as you keep God first, as long as you keep searching for God, searching for that faith, and building the great people around you, the sky’s the limit for you.”

It resonated strongly that the men Anderson talked to have served their country bravely and have paid a price.

“It’s very humbling,” Anderson said. “It gives you a chance to get out your own life, get out of your own lens, and to look into their lens and how much they’re sacrificed to protect this country, how much you know they’ve done for us to walk around here and be free and not have to worry about anything.

“Putting themselves on the front line for us, It means the world to not only me, but I’m pretty sure the whole world. We just thank them for their service and want to help them. help them any way we can, because they’ve helped us all these years.”

Anderson visited inmates at San Quentin State Prison during the Pro Bowl Games.

He spent time with several inmates, witnessing about his faith. Several individuals got baptized after talking with Anderson.

“I think it all just goes back into taking yourself outside your own personal life and seeing another person’s life, and like how those guys were incarcerated,” Anderson said. “These guys were shooting guns, going through PTSD, all those things, killing people to save this country.

“It kind of left a lot of trauma on them, and now they’re back here, trying to get themselves right, and to be able to see them chasing after God and knowing that he is the one and only true person that can really help, and obviously could bring a village around to help is really special.”

Anderson said he wants to be like J.J. Watt and Andre Johnson, legendary players for the Texans who gave back to the community.

“Growing up, for me, I didn’t really see a lot of role models like that,” Anderson said. “And to get to Houston, and obviously, to see ‘Dre always here, to see J.J. always here, to see those guys always giving back to the community, and they’re been out the league for a good little time, I think that’s how you see how special Houston really is.

“The fans, the people, the community here, how important it is to everybody, and those are guys that I look up to that are still in the community, still doing things for Houston, and they don’t even play anymore. That’s what it’s all about.”

On that speed boat purchase Anderson is planning, he has a passion for fishing trips with his father. Anderson really enjoys the open water at Lake Conroe.

“That’s how I calm myself down and remain true to who I am,” Anderson said. “Be in my own little element.”

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