Texans coach DeMeco Ryans hosts youth group at start of training camp

On top of players returning to the Houston Methodist Training Center for the start of training camp, the Houston Texans welcomed another group of individuals.

Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans hosted a youth group from Fifth Ward Church of Christ as part of their summer enrichment program for the first day of training camp. A member of the church, Ryans has been actively giving back to the community since his playing days with Houston from 2006-2011.

“It was important for me to have them come out today to just get out and see something different, see the guys out here in practice,” Ryans said Thursday following practice. “I know they have been working hard on all their programs.”

When drafted by the Texans in 2006, Ryans joined the Fifth Ward Church of Christ, the oldest Black church in the city of Houston. Since his playing days, the second-year coach has always tried to give back to the community.

Ryans and his wife, Jamila, continue to be active in the church, along with the Ryans’ family. According to KPRC2 Sports, he’s on the board of the Discovery Youth Foundation, a summer enrichment program for teens.

“It is good to see them get out here and just represent Fifth Ward and what that means to me. I’m excited to have them out there,” said Ryans. “They are a special group and excited to have them out today.”

The Texans return to practice on Friday and Saturday before their first off day Sunday.