Desmond King watched and waited until his target broke into the clear.
The veteran cornerback's patience paid off as he delivered an accurate pass that was hauled in by a budding young football player, a girl participating Saturday morning at the Texans' ninth annual Play Safe Football Clinic at the Houston Methodist Training Center.
"Definitely, these kids came out to work," King said. "They're catching passes. They're showing a bright future in the coming-up years for sure. Just giving back to the community is always great, just giving back the knowledge I was taught growing up as a kid, just coming out there and being there for the kids and showing them there are guys that's older and where they want to be at, just showing them they can do it."
King was joined by former Texans wide receiver Cecil Shorts III and Texans cheerleaders at an event attended by more than 200 kids from across the Houston community. Besides the football drills, concussion and hydration experts from Houston Methodist spoke at a parents information session.
"Growing up, I started tackle football when I was 5," King said. "To show these kids they have the hard work and dedication to do it, just communicate with the kids. Showing them I'm out here supporting them, it's just amazing to see them get out here and they're showing dedication to play this great sport. It's fun for them to show their skills."
Aaron Wilson is a Pro Football Network reporter and analyst and a contributor to Sports Talk 790.