ESPN analyst vows Texans will be a playoff team in talk at ex-NFL player’s foundation gala
Former NFL player Moran Norris recently gathered a group of his celebrity friends to celebrate the 10th anniversary of his foundation. The Moran Norris Foundation believes that every child, when given the opportunity, can overcome negative obstacles and realize their dreams. But they need the help and the guidance to do that.
The star-studded and action-packed weekend included a free football camp for kids on Saturday and a celebrity-laden gala Sunday.
The Follow Me To The Stars Gala at Hotel ZaZa began with a VIP cocktail hour where guests mingles with former player and coach-turned-ESPN-broadcaster Herm Edwards. The evening included a robust silent auction, an introduction to six scholarship recipients from the Moran Norris Foundation, and many jokes. The event was emceed by KHOU sports anchor/reporter Matt Musil and KHOU meteorologist Chita Craft, who was still glowing and wearing white next to her new husband, Lane Craft.
Norris, with wife Tamara Norris, arrived in a 650i convertible, courtesy of BMW of West Houston. Norris and his wife both wore signature blue, which coincidentally matched the exterior of the car, and he even went the extra mile, matching his shoes to the “peanut butter”
insides of the vehicle. Talk about arriving in style.
In a keynote address, Edwards mixed solid leadership advice, jokes about the game (especially the NFC East) and a nod to the upcoming Super Bowl Houston will host in February.
“You will get an opportunity in life. Take advantage of that. Set your own standards of what you want to become. You have to be willing to bet on yourself – even if no one else will. You will be good enough. When you’re a follower you get the same view every time,” Edwards said.
He even made a reference to Houston’s own, Earl Campbell, saying his shoulder started hurting as soon as he saw Campbell’s jersey at the silent auction.
You can’t come to Houston with the football acumen Edwards has and not make a season preview for the Texans. “Houston has the ability to get off to a good and fast start. This is a team the arrows are pointing up. You have a quarterback that hasn’t played 16 games, that’s the question,” Edwards said. “Can Clowney become the guy everyone wants him to be? I don’t know. I didn’t say that. They’re all good on paper until someone hits them in the mouth.”
“Houston’s going to be a playoff team,” he continued. “I think you should be excited about hosting a Super Bowl, but temper your excitement. This city does a great job. When you have the ability to give back, give back.”
Saturday afternoon’s football camp, hosted at Houston Baptist University, was filled with nearly 300 kids running drills and learning basics from the pros in the scorching Houston summer heat. Music station 97.9 The Box was on site playing music so every inch of the field had a fun vibe to it. “Giving back is so important. I grew up in Houston and I just like giving back. I do it because it’s something that’s in my heart, and I enjoy putting a smile on kid’s faces,” Norris said of his foundation.
Others in appearance for the weekend included Vernon Davis, Frank Gore, Chester Pitts, Travis Johnson, Chad Hedrick and more.
The annual weekend has had such a huge impact on Houston for over a decade that Mayor Sylvester Turner officially named June 26 as Moran Norris Day.
This article originally ran on Culture Map – click here to see the original version and more photos.
BMW West gave us a 428i convertible for weekend fun
One of the few cons of being a writer and running your own business is that the weekends are typically my busiest times. This past weekend was no different, except it was a little more fun, thanks to my partnership with BMW of West Houston – they hooked me up with a 2016 428i convertible to help make working the weekend a little more exciting (and faster!).
Plus, in my personal effort to love Houston a little more, it’s nice spending a weekend enjoying some of the best parts and hanging out with friends.
Here’s a quick glimpse at my weekend:
As soon as I got the car, I picked up my friend to cruise around and have some fun. Friday night we went and saw Green River Ordinance at Firehouse Saloon and I have to say, I am a big fan of them. I hadn’t heard much about GRO before and they were fantastic and put on a great show. If you’ve never been to Firehouse, it’s a great place to catch LIVE Texas country music.
Saturday afternoon I headed off to HBU for the 10th annual Moran Norris Foundation football camp, which was free to kids. Hundreds of kids braved the hot Houston temps to take advantage of the camp (they lasted outside much longer than I did!).
Sunday night was the Follow Me To The Stars Gala, put on by the Moran Norris Foundation, with Herm Edwards as the evening’s keynote speaker. Click here to read about the entire weekend with this great foundation on Culture Map.
Herm Edwards and The Blonde Side at the Moran Norris Foundation Gala, June 2016 (Photo Courtesy: Troy Fields)
My review of the 428i convertible:
Houston is super hot, but if you go for a nighttime drive, having the top down on this fun and fast car is a treat! (As long as you have a ponytail holder!)
And with the unpredictable Houston weather changing every 10 seconds, it’s nice that the top will go up or down in just 20 seconds. (Technically you can lower or raise the top if you’re going under 11MPH, but since I was just borrowing it, I didn’t want to chance it. I hope my insurance company is reading this!)
Inspired by the 3 Series, the 428i is the first ever convertible to offer xDrive, which—paired with a hardtop that exudes coupe style—makes this one convertible that performs all year round. And yes, that includes any and all Houston weather.
The gas mileage (combined 24MPG) wasn’t too bad for such a sporty car. I did all of my weekend driving (much more than usual) in just one tank.
Talk about fast! I never thought fast cars were my thing, but being able to go 0-60 in 5.2 seconds is insane. This is definitely the sportiest open-top car on the road. Not to mention the sportiest car I’ve ever driven.
Now that I’m a seasoned pro at the 428i, here are two tips: keep sunscreen and a hat in the car. You’ll need it!
Stop by BMW of West Houston today to check out this fast ride. From now until September 30th, they are donating $50 to Houston Children’s Charity for every single test drive. So if your significant other gripes that you shouldn’t be test driving new cars, tell them it’s for charity!
Tonight our sweet bulldog (Hank) turned two-years-old. Although he’s not quite potty-trained (a recent major surgery kind of derailed that training process for us), he’s a sweet boy and we wanted to celebrate his birthday (OK, to be honest, I just wanted an excuse to keep obsessing over things on Pinterest).
In honor of his special day, I tried these Apple & Peanut Butter Pupcakes (get it!?) from Sugar and Soul and both doggies loved them! (You’re probably thinking I’m a crazy dog-lady because they can’t tell me they love them, but trust me, it was obvious!).
Apple & Peanut Butter Pupcakes Recipe
Ingredients
Birthday Pupcakes
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
2 large eggs
6 oz. plain yogurt
1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/3 cup creamy unsalted and unsweetened peanut butter
1 cup grated apple, peeled and cored
2 tbsp honey
1 cup heavy cream
12 mini dog biscuits
Optional:
1/4 cup carob chips
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Line a cupcake pan with liners and set aside.
In a large bowl or stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, beat together the flour, baking powder, eggs, yogurt, and applesauce and mix until combined.
Beat in peanut butter, honey, and grated apple.
Add a 1/4 cup of batter to each cupcake liner and bake for 20-25 minutes, until toothpick comes clean when inserted into the center. Allow to cool in pan for a few minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
Once pupcakes have cooled, beat heavy cream until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Pipe whipped cream onto the cooled pupcakes and top with a dog biscuit. Serve shortly after frosting or store in the fridge or freeze them. Dogs should only be given one a day.
If you’re the kind of person who loves baking for and pampering your pooch, check out my
Kait Hanson’s Sweet Eats & Dog Treats E-Book
Hawaii-pal Kait Hanson’s E-Book Sweet Eats and Dog Treats, which is a super fun and unique cookbook concept. And it’s only $4.99, which is cheaper than any of the ingredients you’ll buy and it’ll last a whole lot longer!
Curious though – anyone else celebrate their dog’s birthdays?
The thought of homemade ice cream cake seems beyond most people’s capabilities (including and especially my own). But this amazing S’more Ice Cream Cake recipe, made with Breyers, is so easy and worth every single calorie, you gotta give it a go for yourself.
The easy-to-follow recipe, via Yummly, is pretty quick and easy (although you do have to let a portion freeze for about an hour, so include that in your prep time).
Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted Country Crock® Spread and sugar in medium bowl; press into 13 x 9-inch glass or ceramic baking dish.
Microwave chocolate chips, 2 cups marshmallows and milk in small microwave-safe bowl at HIGH 4 minutes or until completely melted, stirring once. Cool 10 minutes, then stir in remaining 2 cups marshmallows. Spread over crust; freeze 1 hour or until firm.
Sprinkle crumbled graham crackers over chocolate layer. With scissors, cut carton from Breyers® Chocolate Ice Cream. Arrange Ice Cream on its side, then cut crosswise into 4 slices. Arrange slices in baking dish, pressing to form an even layer. Cover and freeze 4 hours or overnight.
Frost with whipped topping just before serving. Sprinkle, if desired, with additional graham cracker crumbs.
Get ready to fall head over heels in love with the best cookies ever. Seriously. If I’m ever blessed enough to be an old lady with lots of grandkids, these will be the cookies I’ll be known for.
I got this recipe from Yummly, a new recipe app that is just amazing. Below is the Chocolate Chip Graham Cracker cookie recipe (taken from Yummly), which takes less than 30 minutes to make and doesn’t have any crazy weird ingredients:
Ingredients:
1/2 cup butter(room temperature)
1 cup brown sugar
2 tsps vanilla
1 eggs
11/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup chocolate chips
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the butter and sugar until creamy.
3. Beat in the vanilla and egg until well combined.
4. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add to the butter mixture until just combined.
6. Stir in the chocolate chips.
7. Grease pan with cooking spray.
8. Bake for 7 minutes.
9. Cookies will look slightly underdone, but should set up nicely as they cool.
Eat as many of these as you want. But just set your alarm for the gym in the morning!
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Houston Texans Whitney Mercilus is doing big things (Photograpy by Jenn Duncan)
WHITNEY MERCILUS (MER-SIH-LUS): COMING IN HOT
Last May, the Houston Texans signed WHITNEY MERCILUS, OLB, to a contract extension. After that, Mercilus continued to have a career year, setting personal bests in sacks (12.0), tackles (50), tackles for loss (14) and fumble recoveries (two). Even with those numbers, he’s still only willing to call his season “decent” because he knows he’s got a lot more to give.
Heading into 2016, Mercilus promises Houston fans two things: more intensity on the field and getting more involved in the city. “I feel like my face is going to be out there more, especially with the foundation I’m creating,” he says. The Mercilus Foundation is just steps away from officially being introduced to Houston, and it’s one the Illinois graduate has had his hardworking hands in every step of the way (even filing the EIN paperwork). In short, “the focus is helping underprivileged families raising kids with disabilities,” he says. It’s a cause he says he’s “so in love” with, which for a moment makes you forget he’s a 6-foot-4, 258lb beast of a man who tackles other men for a living.
“It’s what I studied in college – Community Health Disability and Rehabilitation Concentration – essentially helping disabled people with home accommodations, home living, work space, transportation and more,” he explains. It’s clear from the start Mercilus is not only dedicated to the cause, he’s well-informed and educated on the matter. “That’s where my heart is,” he continues. “I love working with kids and wanted to do something to help families who can’t afford the medical equipment or the pharmaceuticals,” he says.
Mercilus is one of the rare athletes who sees the big picture, beyond the football field. “Education is very important – know your surroundings, especially with the presidential elections going on. Know exactly what’s going on in your community or how you can help impact somebody directly. Doing community work is very important because I would say to whom much is given, much is expected, so if you’re in a great position like myself and on a high platform, why not be a voice for somebody or a specific cause?” he says. It’s no secret Mercilus is a beast on the field, but what’s surprising is how educated and articulate he is. He says that catches people off-guard quite often. “When I go rub shoulders with top level people, they are often surprised how well-educated and mature I am versus a few counterparts in the NFL who have ended up in news reports,” he says.
As for how he beats the heat during these hot summer months? “I keep the air conditioner on all day every day. But I also go to the pool and grab some ice cream cones,” he jokes. He’ll almost always leave the house for a pool party invite. With the recent draft, Mercilus is ready to get back on the field. “I don’t get ahead of myself, but I’m excited to see where we are at as a complete team, especially with all the moves in the off-season,” he shares.
We asked Mercilus to fill in the blank: I wish more people in the world would be kinder.
Houston Dash players headed to the Olympics (Photography by Kennon Evett)
The recent popularity of women’s soccer is undeniable. Almost a year ago, on July 5, 2015, the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team made history. Not just with an incredible World Cup win over Japan (5–2), but making it the most viewed soccer game in U.S. TV history with 25.4 million tuning in.
No one knows the excitement, the momentum and the pressure that comes a year later than the women who play the sport professionally, especially those heading to Rio for the 2016 Summer Olympic Games. We had a chance to sit down with JANINE BECKIE, MORGAN BRIAN and ALLYSHA CHAPMAN, Houston Dash teammates and fresh faces of women’s soccer. Here’s what they had to say about their sport and their road so far.
MORGAN BRIAN | MIDFIELDER | TEAM USA
Morgan Brian, Houston Dash, Team USA (Photo: Kennon Evett)
Midfielder Morgan Brian has a vision of where soccer is going, not just for women, but for everyone; and it’s something she’s excited to be a part of. More than just looking forward at what’s to come, Brian realizes all the hard work of those before her that have helped grow the sport to where it is today.
“As a kid it was my dream to play on this (national) team and I think the women before me have allowed me to do that, and play it as our job. I feel like it’s my duty to continue to pave the way for the younger kids like me who have a dream to play on the national team,” Brian shares, with love and respect for the sport. Never in a million years (or at least the 23 she’s been around) did she expect to get paid to play her passion. There’s not a day or a moment that passes that she forgets that.
It’s the maturity and knowledge of how the sport got to where it is today and all the blood, sweat and tears that others put in to get it there that gives Brian an advantage on the field and in the public’s eyes. Brian was awarded the Golden Ball at the 2016 CONCACAF Women’s Olympic Qualifying Championship, and she continues to be a headlining name. “I think the women who have come before me have done a really good job at pushing the limits in women’s soccer,” Brian says. She admits the sport, and her role in it, has come full circle.
Brian says playing on a World Cup team was her biggest dream since she was a kid, but the Olympics are a dream all their own. “The Olympics are something the world watches for every sport. Everyone says the Olympics are so different from the World Cup because the World Cup is every soccer player’s dream but the Olympics are every athlete’s dream. I’m excited to compete with the United States and hopefully be the first team to win a World Cup and a gold in the Olympics,” she says.
“Brazil will be a great experience for everyone and obviously we want to compete and hopefully bring back a gold medal,” Brian says optimistically.
Allysha Chapman, Houston Dash, Team Canada (Photo: Kennon Evett)
ALLYSHA CHAPMAN | DEFENDER | TEAM CANADA
Originally from Courtice, Ontario (a suburb of Toronto), and just 5-foot-3 inches, Allysha Chapman looks like the girl next door. From a quick glance, you’d have no idea how aggressive she can be on the field, how hard she’s worked to get to where she is, and just how passionate she is about her sport.
The 27-year-old defender takes her job, the same job she’s dreamed about since she was a little girl, incredibly seriously. She knows firsthand it’s been a long road to get women’s soccer to where it is today and she’s using her aggressiveness, persistence and uplifting attitude to help keep it on that track. “Women’s soccer has come a long way in the last 10 years and I’m lucky to be benefiting from women who had to work really hard to promote the game. It’s only growing and getting better, and women are getting more recognized. I think it’s all great – the World Cup we just had in the summer generated a lot of viewers and fans,” she says.
Chapman not only played in every game for Canada in last year’s tournament, but every minute. So yeah, she’s kind of a big deal – for the Houston Dash, Canada and women’s soccer. And those are big shoes to fill. Chapman, or Chappy as her friends call her, has been a fan of the Olympics since she can remember and knows it’s a huge honor. “The Olympics are the pinnacle of sports. Every athlete dreams of going to the Olympics – it’s a lot of pressure but I think we can build on our (Canada’s) Olympic bronze four years ago and I’m really excited for my first Olympics,” she says. No matter how long she’s dreamt of this opportunity, there are still a lot of unknowns, which keeps it exciting. “I have no idea what it’s going to be like,” she admits, not afraid of any challenges.
Chapman realizes she has a huge stage to help other young girls realize their dreams of one day playing the sport she loves so much. Being a role model to so many and representing her country puts the pressure on, but Chapman says there are others she wants to make proud, like her parents who have been taking her to practices since she was five. Chapman says dedication is a word she feels accurately sums up her career thus far.
“I’m really happy with where women’s soccer is right now, but it can only get better from here,” Chapman concludes.
JANINE BECKIE | FORWARD | TEAM CANADA
Janine Beckie, Houston Dash, Team Canada (Photo: Kennon Evett)
No matter the circumstance, rejection is never easy. But it’s what you do after someone tells you no that truly defines who you are.
You have two options: give up or work harder.
Janine Beckie, a 21-year-old from Denver, chose to work harder. And it’s paying off incredibly well for her. Beckie is the all-time leading scorer at Texas Tech and was selected with the no. 8 overall pick in the 2016 NWSL College Draft. “I was in the group for the (Canada) World Cup last year and got cut right at the last minute. I used it as motivation. I knew there were some things I needed to be better at. I had good conversations with my coaches – there were no burned bridges there,” she says. “They just kind of said, ‘We don’t think you’re ready, this is the group that we are going to go with but you’re not at all done, this is not the end,’” she recalls.
Keeping a positive mindset was something Beckie says was instrumental in keeping her motivated. “My faith and family are definitely what got me through that time,” she explains. In just a year’s time, that extra motivation is paying off nicely. Beckie played for Canada in Olympic Qualifying where she scored two goals, proving she was far from done with the sport. The recent growth of women’s soccer in North America has been unprecedented, and Beckie is using this newfound platform for good. “We have a platform we’ve never had before and it’s us taking that and running with it. And not stopping until we get the sport where we want it to be – I think we’re still far from that and we’re moving in the right direction,” she says, happy to be a part of it all. Like others, Beckie dreamt of being in the Olympics since she was a little girl, but had no idea it would be soccer that would take her there. “I played all kinds of sports growing up so I never thought that soccer would be my thing,” she laughs.
As for the pressure and attention that comes with the Olympics, Beckie is eager to embrace it. “It’s definitely pressure but it’s the best kind of pressure. It’s just an incredible opportunity that we get – it’s not something everyone gets to do. We are in the spotlight naturally with our job – that is a huge blessing and opportunity,” she explains. Beckie has dual citizenship and will be heading to the Olympics with teammate Allysha Chapman to play for Canada. “We have an opportunity now that we’ve never had before to help shape young girls’ lives in terms of sports. We’re looking forward to building a culture and playing better in the next few months because it’s way closer than we all think,” she says.
By Jayme Lamm | Photography by Kennon Evett Assisted by Josue Salinas | Hair and Makeup by Sherrie Evett Styled by Marzifat + Carla Valencia de Martinez
Shot on location at BBVA Stadium
To read this full article, click here or grab a copy of LOCAL Houston Magazine in print so you can REALLY check it out.
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