Houston Texans safety Michael Thomas cares deeply about the African American community and the world that will be left behind for his children.
Thomas has taken concerted action to improve the lives of the African American community, such to the point that the Pro Bowl safety has developed a good relationship with members of Congress.
“Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee [Texas’ 18th district] is like, ‘There are already bills on the floor,'” Thomas said. “I’ve interned with her. I know the work her and her staff, her chief of staff, they do on a daily basis to try to get real, sustainable change done through the bills being passed.”
Houston, behind the leadership of Mayor Sylvester Turner, is a city that has welcomed Thomas’ desire to make a better world.
Said Thomas: “To see what the city of Houston has already done from hearing from the Mayor, from hearing from the police officers and officials and chiefs that I have relationships with to say, ‘We stand by the people in the city of Houston. We’re walking with them, we’re protesting with them. We’re fighting for change right along with them.'”
The 30-year-old is coming to a Texans team that already has some of his former allies. Receiver Kenny Stills played with Thomas with the Miami Dolphins from 2015-17 and the two were of one accord when it came to social justice issues.
Now, that support is buttressed by statements from coach Bill O’Brien, quarterback Deshaun Watson, and defensive end J.J. Watt — the triumvirate of Texans leadership at the player and coach level.
“Just keep pushing, keep trying to get everybody else not (just) in the city of Houston, to understand that our city is doing the right work, we’re on the right path, but we need to put pressure and try to hold all of the other cities accountable as well,” said Thomas.
