‘They deserve it,’ Texans’ Will Anderson Jr. surprises Wheatley girls flag football team with shopping spree

HOUSTON – When the Wheatley High School girls flag football team walked into Academy Sports and Outdoors in Meyerland, they didn’t know exactly what to expect.

They were surprised leading up to National Girls & Women in Sports Day by Texans star defensive end Will Anderson Jr. with a shopping spree.

Each received $250 gift cards from Anderson to buy whatever they wanted.

As the brother to five sisters, Anderson celebrates what women can accomplish in sports. He’s also an NFL global flag football ambassador.

“I’m super excited to be here,” Anderson said. “This means a lot to me. I have five older sisters. To help the younger generation, I’ve learned so much from women in sports. A lot of my game and my mentality came from them.

“It’s a blessing. It’s a nice thing. They deserve it. They’re changing sports forever. I can’t wait to see what they continue do and the growth of the game. I can’t wait to be a part of it.”

When the Wheatley athletes were asked what this day means to them, they had several replies:

“Opportunity, that girls can do anything that men can do.”

“If you put your mind to it, your hard work won’t go unnoticed.”

“It’s a good experience. We didn’t think we were going shopping. We’re excited about it.”

‘Helping to grow the game, means a lot to me,’ Texans’ Will Anderson Jr. named NFL global flag football ambassador

Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com.