HOUSTON – After 11 seasons in the NFL, Michael Brockers has dropped the pads and picked up a whistle to make an impact in his own community: H-Town.
This past weekend, hundreds of kids gathered at Rice University for the 9th annual Michael Brockers Youth Football and Cheer Camp, a free event designed to provide instruction, mentorship and a foundation of community for families across Houston.
For Brockers, the camp has been more about teaching kids his biggest tips from the NFL but, instead, making a difference in the lives of kids who may need it.
“I think because I didn’t have it,” Brockers said. “For me to give back and show some of the kids in this community, especially the less fortunate ones who can’t afford to go to the Tyreek Hill or OBJ camps. I always said mine was going to be affordable, free for the kids to come out so I can give back to them.”
The former defensive lineman, who attended Chavez High School, says returning to his hometown is what makes the camp meaningful.
“I’m a Houstonian through and through,” Brockers said. “It’s more about my relationship with the community. I’m not looking for anything in return.”
That impact on the community has been expressed by parents. Keon Worthington said he brought his son to the camp and believes it has been an invaluable experience.
“Exposure is the key,” Worthington said. “It’s good to see great role models in the community giving back to our youth. Accessibility is huge because some parents can’t afford camps that have fees attached to them.”
Ira Duckworth, a returning camper, says it’s been the experience that keeps him coming back.
“I set my timer early before because I get better every time I come,” Duckworth said. “It’s just work all throughout this camp.”
Brockers says seeing familiar faces return year after year reminds him why he started the camp in the first place.
“It’s the kids that continue to come back every year,” he said. “Seeing them grow and seeing the commitment and support from the community – that’s the biggest thing for me.”
The camp is extending lessons far beyond football, giving young kids confidence and encouragement in the community, from equipment giveaways to advice from local community college football mothers navigating the new NIL landscape.
It has been clear this camp is huge for the community.
“It’s a big deal,” Catchrina Zenon, mother of an attendee, said. “I worked 12 hours last night. We will be here rain, sleet or snow.”