Texans rookie quarterback Davis Mills threw a career-high three touchdown passes Sunday, eluding 300-pound pass rushers to locate his wide receivers downfield.
Two days later, Mills was completing passes to much smaller, enthusiastic targets.
Mills and the Texans' rookie class hosted a Play 60 event for students at Pro-Vision Academy to encourage youth to remain active and practice a healthy lifestyle filled with exercise. That included participating in a few football drills overseen by the NFL players.
"It was fun seeing the kids run around and get some exercise, just throwing it and letting them have a good time," said Mills, a third-round draft pick from Stanford. "That's what we're out here for. Definitely, when I was a little kid it was hard to catch me inside. My parents were screaming at me to come inside because I was always playing. That's a big thing. Staying in shape and staying healthy is good for the youth. This is my first community service event as a Texann and it's great to be out here."
Mills was joined by starting defensive tackle Roy Lopez, wide receivers Nico Collins, Damon Hazelton and Jalen Camp, tight end Brevin Jordan, linebacker Garret Wallow, offensive lineman Carson Green and Texans ambassador and retired Pro Bowl offensive guard Wade Smith.
"It was awesome to kind of experience the day with them," Lopez said. "It's always fun to give back. They've got that competitive side to them. Seeing them compete in drills is refreshing."
Lopez participated in a Texans High School Coach of the Week award recently, recognizing Waltrip High School coach Jeremy Kirt.
I was able to go out and talk to the team and watch practice," Lopez said. "It brings you back to high school football days. I enjoy it. It's fun."
Aaron Wilson has covered the NFL for 20 seasons, including the Texans, Baltimore Ravens, Tennessee Titans and Jacksonville Jaguars. He has previously written for The Houston Chronicle and The Baltimore Sun. He’s on Twitter: @AaronWilson_NFL and Instagram: @aaronwilson7128.