WATCH: Texans' Will Anderson Jr. Delivers Leadership Message
HOUSTON — Houston Texans standout Will Anderson Jr. delivered a message about leadership, emphasizing the importance of stepping up as a role model to the student-athletes of Royal High School's football team.
"[Always ask yourself] 'how Am I being a positive role model on the team?'" Anderson said. "It doesn't matter if you are a freshman or a senior, what type of culture are you leaving for the younger guys? That is the type of challenge you have to hold yourself up too."
Anderson took part in a mini-clinic at DICK'S House of Sports Tuesday evening. The clinic consisted of Anderson conducting drills inside the store. The student-athletes enjoyed learning and competing against the rookie defensive end.
The delivery of Anderson's speech represented the leadership attribute that led to him earning his first-year captaincy. The Texans named Anderson as one of seven captains to help represent the franchise in 2023.
Anderson joined C.J. Stroud on a short list of rookies voted as a captain within their first season in franchise history. It's an honor coach DeMeco Ryans held during his rookie season in 2006.
"For captains and how we vote on that, that’s strictly the players," Ryans said. "That’s what it’s about, it’s about the players. [It’s] not about the coaches. Players in the locker room know who the leaders are, and that’s how we went about voting for captains...
"I don’t care if you’re a young guy, leadership doesn’t just go to the oldest guy in the room. It’s about [finding] who is the man that can get others around them to play better."
Anderson became a captain following an impressive debut against the Baltimore Ravens. During the Texans' Week 1 loss, Anderson recorded six tackles and two quarterback hits. Early in the fourth quarter, Lamar Jackson became the victim of Anderson's first career sack.
In addition to the football clinic, Anderson also held a meet-and-greet with fans, where he took pictures and autographed jerseys.
