Texans’ Frank Ross holds annual Coaches’ Cuts event to benefit Covenant House Texas: ‘It means a lot’

HOUSTON – In the barber shop, a fresh haircut can mean much more than an improved personal style.

It can provide an emotional boost and touchstone as conversations in the barber’s chair lead to growth.

For Texans special teams coordinator Frank Ross, his annual Coaches’ Cuts event is intended to help individuals dealing with homelessness and other difficulties.

At the new Covenant House Texas in Montrose, an organization founded in 1983 to give shelter for homeless, abused and abandoned young people, Ross and several Texans players encouraged the residents.

The program included haircuts from Ross and barbers, including Julian Diaz from Empire Barber Studio as well as manicures and facials from Oasis Spa and food from McDonald’s.

Ross has always been devoted to the community. It was instilled in him by his family, who were there alongside him.

“We’re all the same,” Ross said. “There’s no such thing as one person being better than the other and we all need to take care of each other. I’m just so thankful for the people that have helped raise me to be that way. My mother right here, she taught in the inner city for 30 years, always giving back and working.

“She taught me that. It’s in the Ross’s blood and I’m proud to be in a position that we can stimulate the Houston community. It means a lot. We need to take care of each other. I think we’re doing that today, a small version of it, but it matters.”

Ross took a lot of time talking with a young man during and after a haircut. When the haircut and chat was over, they posed for photographs together. The young man was smiling widely and walking proud.

“The chair is where honesty reaches a pinnacle,” Ross said. “That’s a special place. That young man I just got a chance to cut his hair, we’re buddies and that’s how it should be.”

Covenant House Texas is a faith-based organization committed to giving homeless youth a safe haven, unconditional love and a path to lasting independence. Covenant House was founded originally in New York City, and has now become the largest private shelter organization for homeless kids with 31 locations.

“Man, I’m blown away,” Ross said. “This place provides up to 250 people, young people in our community, to get out of situations that we couldn’t imagine. They’ve produced peaceful, sleep-filled nights and a place to rest your head. This place is unbelievable. I’m thankful for them, thankful for what they’re doing in our community. What they’re really trying to do is, from A to Z, help young people get into independence.

“They can provide themselves with resources and tools. That was one of the moments I had with the young man in the chair was just saying, ‘We can give you tools.’ You can utilize them to get in front of homelessness. Hopefully, that can be accomplished.”

The event was attended by multiple players, including linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, whose family experienced homelessness growing up in Florida, cornerback Tremon Smith, defensive end Mario Edwards Jr., defensive tackle Kyonte Hamilton, wide receivers Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel, running back Woody Marks, safety Jayden Reed, cornerback Alijah Huzzie, wide receiver Jared Wayne, wide receiver Xavier Johnson, tight end Luke Lachey, quarterback Graham Mertz, safety M.J. Stewart, defensive tackle Junior Tafuna and cornerback Jaylin Smith.

It was an emotional day for Ross, the players and the young people they interacted with.

“We’ve all experienced it,” Ross said. “You don’t know when it’s gonna happen. There’s a connection that happens. You can see it in somebody’s face. It’s a raw, real emotion. It happens in the barber chair regularly. We’ve been there.

“Somebody’s needed to lean on somebody at some point in life. I see it with my young players. They’re here today. It’s just the ability to lift somebody up that is maybe struggling to find their way right now in life that’s a little younger than you. What wisdom can you pass on? What resource can you be? I just find that when I’ve got the scissors in my hand. It’s a blessing to be here.”

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