Pro Football Retired Players Association Honors Community Champions

Strategic Insights -

Four outstanding individuals, including Former Houston Texans Players Andre Johnson and Wade Smith, have been selected as recipients of the Pro Football Retired Players Association's (PFRPA) Champions Award. The award recognizes their exceptional service to their communities. The 2nd Annual PFRPA Champions Banquet will take place on September 25, 2025, at the Directors Club at NRG Stadium in Houston. PFRPA Board Chair and Retired NFL Player Darrell Thompson commended the dedication of the award recipients, stating, "Each of these outstanding individuals has demonstrated exceptional service to others." The 2025 PFRPA Champions Award recipients are: Andre Johnson, Pro Football Hall of Famer and Retired Houston Texans Wide Receiver; Kandyace Mayberry, Director of Alumni Relations at the Houston Texans; Wade Smith, Retired Houston Texans Guard and Founder of the Wade Smith Foundation; and Lemuel Stinson, NFL Alumni Houston Chapter President and Founder of the Lemuel Stinson Foundation. PFRPA Executive Director Joe Agbasi emphasized the significance of the PFRPA Champions Award, highlighting its celebration of service, leadership, and lasting influence.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Pro Football Retired Players Association (PFRPA) has announced four awardees for the 2nd Annual PFRPA Champions Banquet, including Former Houston Texans Players Andre Johnson and Wade Smith.
  • The awardees, Andre Johnson, Kandyace Mayberry, Wade Smith, and Lemuel Stinson, have demonstrated exceptional service to their communities.
  • PFRPA has been providing dental and vision insurance benefits to more than 10,200 retired players and more than 3,500 players' spouses.
  • The PFRPA Champions Award recognizes the dedication and service of retired NFL players to their communities.
  • PFRPA has a charitable foundation, the Greater Good Fund, supporting various health and welfare programs for retired NFL players.

Statistics:

  • Over 10,200 retired NFL players and 3,500 players' spouses have enrolled in PFRPA insurance benefits.
  • Wade Smith, a former guard and Pro Bowler for the Houston Texans, is the founder of the Wade Smith Foundation, supporting youth programs in the Greater Houston and Dallas/Fort Worth Areas.
  • Lemuel Stinson, a native Houstonian and former cornerback for the Chicago Bears and Atlanta Falcons, founded the Lemuel Stinson Foundation in 2016.

Sources:

  • Pro Football Retired Players Association (PFRPA)
  • Source: Pro Football Retired Players Association