Whitney Mercilus, Charles Fazzino. Photo by Daniel Ortiz
Texans star and pop artist combine Sports + Charity + Art at Super Bowl Week kickoff party
It’s no secret Super Bowl LI has taken over the city of Houston and locals are loving every minute of it. The excitement and hoopla goes far beyond the big game and names like Tom Brady, but some of Houston’s own big names are making a splash for a good cause.
Whitney Mercilus dominated the 2016 season on the field for the Texans, but he’s keeping his commitment to doing good things for the city off the field as well. Tuesday night the All-Pro hosted a private reception at the anticipated new whiskey bar/restaurant Bosscat Kitchen & Libations, slated to open later this month, alongside New York-based famous pop artist Charles Fazzino to unveil his officially licensed commemorative painting for Super Bowl LI.
Fazzino donated the commemorative one-of-a-kind 3-D painting to Mercilus’ WithMerci Foundation, which will be part of the festivities and auction items at Thursday night’s ticketed charity event. Fazzino is an official licensed artist of the National Football League and the Super Bowl (2000-present), which just adds to the value of his incredible work.
Mercilus was alongside former Houston Texans teammates Wade Smith and Darryl Sharpton.
The VIP reception and unveiling included Bosscat Kitchen & Libations owners John Reed, Leslie Nguyen and Vinnie Capizzi, the NFL Network’s James Palmer, SportsTalk 790 AM’s Lance Zierlein, KHOU anchor Ron Trevino, Neera Patidar, Amanda Abiassi, Andrew Pappas, Blair Bentley. Terann Hilow, Ursaline Hamilton, Angela Lipsey, Matthew and Audrey White, and Connor and Emily Tamlyn.
The invite-only crowd got a first and exclusive look at Bosscat while kicking off the highly-touted and busy Houston Super Bowl week. Later this month, the 6,900 square foot venue with 220 seats, more than 300 whiskeys, and epic people-watching will be open to the general public.
This article originally ran on Culture Map, during The Blonde Side’s coverage for Super Bowl LI.
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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.
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.
Texans Running Back Jonathan Grimes | Photograpy by Max Burkhalter
SPORTS | TEXANS JONATHAN GRIMES SAYS WE ARE IN A “TURN UP” MUSIC ERA
Most of our talents come to us by way of our parents. For JONATHAN GRIMES, that story is no different, not just on the football field in a Houston Texans uniform but when it comes to music. And particularly behind the piano.
Although the William & Mary graduate only has one official start under his NFL belt, last season Grimes became the third player in Texans history to score a rushing and receiving touchdown in the same game. The 26-year-old has talent for sure, hopefully more of which we’ll continue to see on the field, but his talents go beyond the field. Grimes started playing the piano about the same time he got into football, which was part of a deal he made with his dad. “I started playing football when I was 7 and started playing piano at the same age because my dad said ‘if I let you play football this year, you have to promise to play the piano,’ Grimes shares. “I wasn’t really that excited to play the piano at first. I just wanted to play football so I agreed to it, but I would say I started really liking it once I started playing songs I knew and other people knew.” He liked it so much, he actually got a degree in music, while playing football. Talk about making your dad proud.
If you see the similarities in Grimes and former Texan Arian Foster, you’d be paying him a compliment. And be spot on. The two are incredibly close and make music together often. Both are running backs and both are incredibly artistic and deep and spiritual guys, finding meaning in things so many of us overlook. “He’s not on the squad but he will always be my boy,” Grimes says of his friendship with Foster. “Music is a message that you constantly hear in your mind all the time over and over again – it can really affect the way you go about things, the way you think without even realizing it,” Grimes says on the importance music plays in his life. “Music is about bridging gaps and just relating to other people. My love for music has been growing, even just this past year. I’m realizing how important music is just in life in general. I feel like the things you eat and consume and everything else is just as important as the things you hear, like music,” he says. Grimes says music is what keeps him sane right now.
Originally from New Jersey, he loves the concert and karaoke scene here in Houston. “I love Houston, but, man, it gets scary hot,” he says. “I don’t come outside unless I have to.”
At just 5’ 10” and a little over 200 lbs., Jonathan Grimes has enough personality to fill an entire team’s roster. Starting with a White Men Can’t Jump quote to playing the keys and sharing his favorite Pandora stations (D’Angelo or Michael Jackson are his choices for being stranded on an island with only one station), he can talk about music all day. “It’s going to be hard to keep me off the piano if I see it,” he warns.
If he had a walk-up song like baseball, Grimes said it’d have to be Finna Get Loose by Diddy and Pharrell.
Best quote of the interview: I’ve sat with Bruce Springsteen before and, yeah, he’s a beast.
WE ASKED GRIMES TO FILL IN THE BLANK: I wish more people in the world would love.
This article originally ran in the May print issue of LOCAL Houston Magazine. Click here to see the online version.
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Chris Myers – living (and loving) the dad life. (Photo: Sofía van der Dys)
AN INTERVIEW WITH CHRIS MYERS: BEING A HUSBAND AND FATHER KEEPS CHRIS MYERS HEALTHIER THAN ANY GAME EVER COULD
If you think being the center of a football’s offense is a tough job, you should see what it’s like being a father of four (all under seven). No one knows both of those job descriptions better than Chris Myers, former Houston Texan and now full-time dad. Myers had a successful career in the NFL spanning a decade (seven seasons with Houston, never missing a game), but realized his heart was with his family and helping others. Myers says he’s a very hands-on father and husband and never ashamed to tell people what he does with his spare time now. “I’ve been blessed where we are in life and want my kids to feel their parents are there for every accomplishment they reach,” he says.
The two-time Pro Bowler quickly realized retiring from the sport isn’t an easy road. “I’m an open book in regards to bringing to light what guys go through when ending their NFL career. It’s a bumpy road if you aren’t grounded in your life away from the field. I am lucky with a family that has always supported and kept me in a place where I was needed more than football needed me,” he shares. Myers is only a fraction of his former playing weight (he dropped 35 lbs in three months after retiring), and is focused on leading a healthy lifestyle – not just for himself, but his family.
“I never had a goal weight but wanted to change my diet and live a cleaner lifestyle. I am involved with a foundation called Blue Cure that promotes lifestyle changes that can help prevent cancer risk down the road. It has opened my eyes to how a lot of society is blinded to what we are doing to our bodies without even knowing it,” he says. “Your body is a machine and if you put bad fuel into it it’s going to perform like it,”he says.
Myers hits the gym about 4 times a week, just in a different capacity. He works closely with Dose Khan, Leo Johnson and Jeremy Davis at Nine Innovations (the gym Arian Foster and brother Abdul helped start). “They helped transform the way I train to fit my lifestyle after ball. Focusing on cardio, core stability and stabilization has really helped me get in the best shape possible considering the shape my body is in from 10 years in the NFL,” he says. The competitive edge of the NFL may be in his rearview mirror, but Myers has found competition within himself. “I try to beat my previous time on a specific run. Challenging yourself keeps a sense of competitiveness in your routine. That’s one of the things you lose when you retire – the test of competition every day. Implementing it into other areas of your life helps more than you can imagine,” he adds.
Thinking about his workouts now vs. his playing days, he laughs. “I preached I would never be a guy to run miles upon miles. Fast-forward a year into retirement and I run multiple miles every day. For me it really is the best way to get to where I want to be in regards to being in shape,” he says. His perfect Saturday: golf when possible, taking the kids to the park, tee ball and the Zoo.
It’s not all organic shopping and hill sprints that create a healthy lifestyle for Myers. “Life is full of negativity and if you can provide positive energy and approach life with a glass half-full mentality, I’m a firm believer karma will come back around,” he says.
KICKER: We asked Myers to fill in the blank: I wish more people in the world would PAY IT FORWARD.
The Myers family: Jenny, his wife, Makenna 6, Cailin 4, Keane 3, and Conor 1.
This article appeared in the April 2016 print issue (the Health and Wellness issue) of LOCAL Houston Magazine. Click here to see the online version.
Kareem Jackson – The Cover Story for March 2016 Sports Issue // Photo: Maximilliam Burkhalter
Kareem Jackson: Football, Fashion, and Now Family Man
If you live in Houston, odds are you’re familiar with KAREEM JACKSON. Jackson is heading into his seventh season as a cornerback for the Houston Texans and he’s not shy when it comes to his passion on the field or showcasing his impeccable sense of fashion. But recently, the Georgia native has added a new title to his world: father.
Jackson says there are a lot of “cool moments” that come with being a new dad. The coolest he says is the rush to get home to spend time with his daughter. “It’s just amazing that every morning there’s this little girl there and she looks so much like me. It just amazes me to see her every day – it’s to the point where I can’t wait to leave the stadium or get home to see her,” he says.
One of the main things he wants to teach his daughter is exactly what his parents worked so hard to teach him: work ethic. “My parents instilled a great work ethic in me and hopefully I can do the same. I believe if you want something you have to go out and work for it. That’s something I definitely want her to know growing up,” Jackson says.
Jackson has also taken his love for fashion and his methodology of going after what he wants to the
Texans Kareem Jackson // Photo: Maximilliam Burkhalter
next level with his brand new line, Fly Guy, starting out with athletic wear pieces. “I figured I can cater to the guys I’m around the most and hopefully progress into something bigger than just athletic gear. I had an opportunity to design some shirts and hats last year for the team, and they did really well in terms of sales in the Go Texan store. I just said this is my opportunity to run with it and that’s what I did with Fly Guy,” the cornerback explains.
The new dad admits he’s very hands-on with the line, from start to finish, including trips to LA where he handpicked the fabrics and colors. “I like to put a lot of my attention on it during the off-season because once the season rolls around I just like to focus on the games.”
“I want to be attached to every thread, everything that’s being done,” he says.
Outside of football and fashion, Jackson admits one of his biggest indulgences is travel and hints that next on his bucket list is either Tahiti or Bora Bora, potentially for his honeymoon with his fiancé Amber. Jackson says they like to reserve Fridays for date nights, which usually involves a movie (they are big fans of comedies) and a nice restaurant. He says it’s their time to talk about the week and just be with each other. “I just kind of let her talk about whatever she wants to talk about, and try and listen,” Jackson says. Very wise relationship advice, indeed.
WE ASKED JACKSON TO FILL IN THE BLANK: I wish more people in the world would think before they speak.
To see the original version of this story (or you can pick up the FREE copies all over Houston and touch and feel the real paper of this story!), click here.
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The short film, The UH Football Experience, set the tone for the incredible season, one that would certainly be dubbed an “H-Town Takeover.” Courtesy photo
Go Coogs! Film couple documents The UH Football Experience in award-winning video
The University of Houston football team and fans are taking over Atlanta for Thursday’s Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl against Florida State. The 12-1 Coogs started out on fire, remaining undefeated for much of the season and nabbing a poll ranking in the top 20.
A lot of buzz and excitement surrounded the 2015 season, but perhaps none as thrilling as the short film, The UH Football Experience, which won three Lone Star Emmys and set the tone for the incredible season, one that would certainly be dubbed an “H-Town Takeover.”
Culture Map sat down with Alex and Whitney Douglas, the husband-wife duo of Sculpting With Time Productions, to get some insight into the award-winning video they made that gives such depth and insight into what football means here in Texas, especially here in Houston.
The film spotlights the UH football program as it ushers in a new era with the state-of-the-art TDECU stadium, complete with sweeping aerials and behind the scenes footage. The captivating seven-minute video offers a glimpse into the athletic program as the team preparse for its historic 2015 season, led by head coach Tom Herman.
“We are so honored and excited to take home these prestigious awards,” said Alex Douglas. “As two people who were born and raised in Houston, we loved creating something that has inspired the university’s players and students throughout their current undefeated football season,” said Whitney Douglas.
The duo spent eight months creating and refining the piece, which premiered on the Jumbotrons and throughout the TDECU stadium during the Cougars’ annual spring game. Throughout an impressive season and heading into a big bowl game, the short film has had a huge impact on the team and the fans.
Culture Map: Putting together any project such as a film, even a short one, is an incredible labor of love. What does it feel like to be recognized for the awards you received? Is there one that means a little more or one that surprised you?
Alex Douglas: To be nominated along with so many talented filmmakers was such a huge honor for us, as some of the top professional and college sports teams in the country are in Texas. And to win three Emmys among such esteemed company was surreal… especially receiving the award for Outstanding Achievement as Director. This one was special because our film was competing against all short form films, whether seen in commercials, the news or in the sports world.
CM: You are both born and raised in Houston where football is such a big part of life. What does football in Houston mean to you? Many outside of Texas can’t grasp just how big it is here.
AD: Texans take such pride in football. It’s a part of life. I grew up playing football on the front lawn every day after school with all my friends. Rain or shine, we were out there. Kids are raised on football here. Before I can even remember, my mom used to take me to the Oilers training camp in San Marcos. We would sit outside all day in the Texas heat just to get a glimpse of some of my gridiron heroes. In Texas, football is not just a sport, it’s a culture.
CM: Many might say other colleges, even in Texas, have a more well known football
Alex and Whitney Douglas of Sculpting With Time Productions, won three Lone Star Emmys for their film, The UH Football Experience. Courtesy photo
program – what was it about University of Houston?
Whitney Douglas: Being based out of Houston, we’ve kept our eyes on UH as they’ve been undergoing some fundamental shifts within the past few years. Dr. Renu Khator was making headlines with some pretty huge investments in the school, and with the construction of the $128 million-dollar TDECU stadium, we knew something big was on the horizon… The story we wanted to make wasn’t just about a football team and how many championships they had won. But it was one that told the story of the process, and the sheer dedication that these athletes need in order to achieve greatness. And when Coach Herman joined the team, we knew this was a total game changer.
AD: It doesn’t surprise me at all to see UH have such an amazing turnaround this season. They’re in the national spotlight and are being mentioned in the same conversation with some of the greatest college football programs in the nation.
CM: How was it working with UH? Did they give you incredible access to their team, behind the scenes, locker rooms?
WD: Working alongside the UH athletic department and the players was an awesome experience. The media department gave us full access to the players, the practices and the games. As the season progressed and we got to know the players more, we felt like this wasn’t just work, but a project that we were really personally invested in.
CM: I just love this quote in the movie…“On our jersey it doesn’t say The University of Houston – it just says Houston and that’s not by accident.”
AD: Coach Herman said it well, and this quote really encapsulates his message to the team. While filming the players we noticed not only a sense of team pride, but a huge sense of pride in representing the city of Houston itself.
CM: How did you make money on this film? Or was that not the goal?
AD: While UH hired us to make this film, it was never about the money. As filmmakers, it’s important to us that we’re super passionate about the projects that we chose to take on. There is just so much time and energy that’s given to each piece we make, and we naturally want to be a part of projects that we’re really excited about. Working with UH on this piece was a perfect fit.
CM: What advice do you have for aspiring filmmakers?
WD: Work on projects that you’re really excited about, and try to stand out and do something different. Find your voice, as you can speak better from your perspective than from someone else’s. It’s going be a hustle and artists aren’t usually the best business people. You set the bar and standard for your work. So just give it everything you have.
This article originally ran on Culture Map. Click here to see the original piece.
Whitney Mercilus on Draft Day (Photo: Courtesy Houston Chron)
Watch me Whit, then watch me JJ
Heading into Week 11, there is one player I don’t think has gotten the credit he deserves, so I’m going to dedicate this entire piece to him and the reasons to love him. He is Whitney Mercilus – outside linebacker for the Houston Texans.
I had been noticing it for a while, and thought it was only me. But last week I posted my thoughts on FB and got some very interesting feedback and quite a few likes, so I knew it wasn’t just me. Thankfully.
Back in May, the Texans signed Mercilus to a four-year contract extension worth $26 million (including $10.8 guaranteed, and a $5.25 million signing bonus), so Texans fans – not to mention the rest of the NFL – better get used to seeing his face. Mostly quarterbacks. And they should be worried.
Last week against Tennessee (though it was just Mettenberger…), the Texans tied a single-game franchise record w/ 7.0 sacks AS A TEAM. The Texans also recorded 7.0 sacks in 2011 against Jacksonville and 2005 against St. Louis.
Mettenberger was sacked on 18% of his dropbacks – the highest percentage in Texan history. And guess who had the most sacks in last weeks game? I’ll give you a hint – it wasn’t J.J. Watt although he jumps around and tries to take sole credit for a lot of the combined efforts (not saying I wouldn’t do the same, but…).
You guessed it – Mercilus was the one who tallied a career-high 3.5 sacks (J.J. still did a damn fine job with 2.5 takedowns). It’s teamwork guys. Last week, J.J. and Whitney became the first pair in Texans history to record at least 2 sacks each in a game.
Mercilus’ career-high 3.5 sacks is tied for second-most in a game in Texans history. (Connor Barwin, 4.0 at JAX, 11/27/11, and Mario Williams, 3.5 vs. DEN, 12/13/07.)
There’s no secret J.J. leads the team’s defense and pretty much the team and the entire city – the girlfriendless cover boy has 28 quarterback hits just the year (that’s more than the entire team combined). The next closest with QB hits for the year is Whitney with just 8.
So far this season, the Texans TFL (tackles for loss) are lead by Watt with 16, Mercilus with 10, then by Jadeveon Clowney with 4 and Christian Covington with 3.
The Texans run a three-man rotation at outside linebacker and it seems rather astounding that Mercilus is still fighting for his permanent spot against #1 overall draft pick Jadeveon Clowney, who seems to constantly be battling injuries. It’s like the Texans are trying to prove to the nation that Clowney was worth the #1 pick (with or without an injury) by keeping him there.
For a few reasons to love Whitney Mercilus off the field, just check out his inspiring and funny Twitter page, where he’s not afraid to show some personality and his love for the Lord.
Whitney Mercilus Twitter
In his fourth season, this could be his best yet. To make this a really standout season for #59, he only needs 2.0 sacks to set his single-season career-high, surpassing his previous high of 7.0 in 2013.
The Texans drafted Mercilus from Illinois as the 26th overall pick, where he led the nation in sacks per game (1.23) and fumbles forced per game (0.833) as a senior. His first season with the Texans (2012) was the year the team went 14-2 and were AFC South Champions.
Keep an eye out for great things by the Texans defense, specifically #59.
Eddie Jackson’s Still Primetime With His New Series ‘BBQ Blitz’
From football to food trucks, life after the NFL takes different turns for different athletes. For Eddie Jackson, it’s taken him back to primetime on the Food Network for his new six-episode series BBQ Blitz, which debuted in early October. The show finds Jackson traveling the country to pit local BBQ bosses against each other.
Jackson first joined the food world as a private chef, food truck owner and personal trainer. He proved to be the ultimate culinary champion during Food Network Star, known for his charismatic personality, charm under pressure and spectacular cooking skills. His former fame as an NFL star didn’t hurt either.
His take on food combines his southern background with his passion for rich and bold flavors, which consistently distinguished him with the viewers and judges. Jackson grew up in Texas and owns a Caribbean grill-inspired food truck and gym in the Houston area, where he currently resides.
Here’s our exclusive Q&A with the former football star and forever foodie:
Man Cave Daily: What’s life been like since you retired from football?
Eddie Jackson: It’s been a while since I retired from the NFL, but since then it’s been all about food with me. I’ve always been into cooking and food since I was child and once I left the game, I realized that I had the love for food and the ability to cook to take it to another level.
MCD: What do you miss most about football?
EJ: By far I miss the camaraderie. There’s nothing like going into battle with your boys. You train for weeks together, so you naturally become close and then going into battle and getting a victory is priceless.
MCD: Tell me about your love for food–where did it start?
EJ: My love for food started at a very young age. I can remember helping my grandmother in the kitchen making biscuits. And then later my dad teaching me the ins and outs of the grill on our little apartment patio. I love creating unique dishes on the grill.
MCD: Describe your perfect tailgate–the menu, the drinks, the music, etc?
EJ: The perfect tailgate would have one-hander foods like wings and sliders–because you need a free hand for cold beers! Each person at the tailgate should come up with four-5 songs, then combine them to create the perfect tailgate playlist.
MCD: With all the great cities you’re visiting for BBQ Blitz–what do you look for in BBQ? Is there a certain ingredient that stands out, do you like it spicy?
EJ: I’ve visited some amazing cites for BBQ Blitz and what I’m most interested in is creativity. BBQ-ing is not just baby back ribs or pulled pork–I’m looking for something so unique that viewers can hopefully get inspired to try something new when they crank up the grills and smokers. Grilling is the earliest form of cooking–you just have to be willing to step outside the box. I’m a sucker for spice. I’m a Texan and we like it spicy. You can always win me over with a nice kick of heat.
MCD: Tell me about your food truck in Houston?
EJ: My food truck is called Caribbean Grill by Fit Chef. We put a Caribbean twist on barbecue and grilling–like ginger pork tacos or rum glazed ribs. I spent a lot of time in south Florida while playing for the Dolphins, so I wanted to bring some of that flare with me to Texas. I focus on doing events with my truck, but you can find it parked behind my gym Fit Chef Studios during the week. We do healthy lunch options as well as make fresh juices.
MCD: Lastly, any bold Super Bowl predictions?
EJ: Hmmmmm…I’m predicting the Pats to win it all again. Brady is playing with a vengeance!
This article originally ran on CBS Man Cave Daily. Click here to see the original article.
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F-bombs away! 14 things we learned — and loved — about the Texans from Hard Knocks
As the season finale of HBO’s hit showHard Knocks came to an end Tuesday night, it’s a reminder the season is only just beginning. I think I can speak for most Texans fans that we’ll begrudgingly trade in the laughter and behind-the-scenes coverage on Tuesday nights for wins on Sunday afternoons.
The real show (not to be confused with the reality show) kicks off Sunday at home against the Kansas City Chiefs.
While fans are undoubtedly clamoring for more episodes, others are ready for the cameras to be off. “Probably in my 45 years, probably one of the best days of my life, next to the birth of my children and my wedding, I guess. No offense to Hard Knocks though,” head coach Bill O’Brien told the media on Monday once the camera crews powered off and packed up.
In just five episodes, there were hundreds of top moments worth resharing and repeating. For now, lets discuss a few.
1. The show gave Texans fans a chance to really get to know the biggest newcomer on their roster – 6-foot-2-inch, 325-pound Vince Wilfork, fresh off the New England Patriots.
Fans across the league got to see Wilfork in all his glory, which at one time included bringing back (or inventing?) the fashion sensation of denim overalls sans shirt complete with a pair of cowboy boots. Because, Texas. We also got to see the big man show his moves during a pickup game of basketball, a highlightfor pretty much everyone.
2. The sports-based reality series is also a resume builder, even if not for employment in Houston.
Defensive end Kourtnei Brown recently told the Tampa Bay Times that his exposure on the show helped make the case for the Bucs to claim him off waivers after the Texans released him. “You’re playing in a game, making plays, not everybody gets to see it. When you’re on (Hard Knocks) you get a lot more publicity than normal. … When it comes on TV, that magnifies it,” Brown told the Times.
3. The camera, the fans, and even Erin Andrews loved some players more than the Texans did.
In the final round of roster cuts, the Texans waived cornerback Charles James II, who was potentially the MVP of the entire series. Although he was made perfectly and wonderfully fit for television, he wasn’t quite what the Texans were looking for, mostly because of his size.
For now James has found a home for his quirky personality and aggressive play (and crazy socks) on the Ravens practice squad. Hopefully Texans GM Rick Smith will wear those socks he bought for James to serve as memory of just how awesome of a human and player he is.
Motivational words from James to help sum up his character and positive attitude: “I won’t be mad at myself if I give it my all and I get that call.”
4. The Texans are actually pretty popular – even outside of Houston.
The debut of Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Houston Texans averaged 826,000 viewers, which is up 34 percent from last year’s debut with the Atlanta Falcons. The Texans debut was the best opening night for the Hard Knocks franchise since Episode 1 in 2010 with the New York Jets, which delivered 870,000 viewers, according to John Ourand of Sports Business Journal.
5. JJ Watt is good at corn hole.
Go figure. Is there anything this guy can’t do? (Answer: no.)
6. Bill O’Brien cares more about what his mother thinks than what any of us think.
After the debut episode where O’Brien dropped an astounding 14 F-bombs, a few fans (only a handful) were a little less than impressed. O’Brien told the media his first takeaway from the episode was that he needed to work on his language, at least for his mother’s sake.
“My brother texted me, he thought it was awesome. My mom texted me, she didn’t think it was too awesome,” O’Brien said. But one thing is crystal clear – O’Brien has heart and passion for this team.
*If you happen to be one of those fans offended by O’Brien’s cursing, you’ll be happy to know that the foul language will be going to good use. O’Brien announced he’ll be making a donation to the Texans Foundation based on the “swear count” heard throughout the five-week series.
7. Fans finally get to see Jadeveon Clowney on TV.
Battling back from last season’s injury, Clowney didn’t see much playing time, but his appearances on Hard Knocks showed he’s working hard to get back out there. No one wants to see that more than Every. Single. Texans. Fan.
8. The biggest storyline in the series remains perhaps the biggest question mark in fan’s minds: the quarterback.
We also learned that Johnny Football isn’t the only QB that sleeps through practice. Ryan Mallett and JFF must’ve bought the same brand alarm clocks?
9. The NFL is a lot like Broadway in that there are backups and understudies always waiting for their chance to shine.
Example? Alfred Blue learning the part of lead running back after Arian Foster’s injury.
10. Bill O’Brien is a huge Rick Ross fan.
For whatever reason, this is spectacular and shows a side of the coach that no other affection for any artist could possibly portray. It’s hard to put into words how awesome these scenes were.
11. DeAndre Hopkins lets the world know he wants to be a dog owner, specifically a Yorkshire terrier.
His explanation is one you’d never imagine in a million years, basically boiling down to wanting a man-bag to carry the dog in and taking him to nightclubs. Talk about a chick magnet.
12. Hearing Brian Cushing be Brian Cushing.
Every single word out of his mouth is entertaining and unexpected. Just one example?
DeAndre Hopkins: Do you drink lattes?
Brian Cushing: I don’t even go to Starbucks.
Hopkins: It’s great, bro.
Cushing: I mean, I used to [go]. Then I realized I wasn’t a chick.
Click here to see even more brilliantly recapped examples of Cushing being Cushing at Grantland.
13. Carli Lloyd is proof that NFL stars get star-struck too.
Sure she’s the USWNT hero, but she made quite the impact on the Texans, taking Vince Wilfork to the house in a field goal competition (they tied). But the best part of Lloyd’s HardKnocks appearance in the last episode? Watching the guys fall over her, attempting to flirt.
14. Two words: Ben Jones.
I count my blessings that I’ve been lucky enough to meet Mr. Jones in person and see his sarcasm, hilarity and all-things-camo in person. The rest of the world should thank HBO for catching a few glimpses into this character, now at center.
The Houston Texans are the eighth team featured on Hard Knocks since its debut in 2001. The series has already won 12 Sports Emmy Awards – who thinks this season will bring another award to the trophy case?
The better question is – who thinks this team can win the Vince Lombardi come February?
