Wheatley, Kashmere HS students take part in two video conferences

Pro Football Hall of Famer Ken Houston has received numerous accolades on and off the football field and recently, he shared some of his keys to success with Kashmere and Wheatley High School students.

Houston spoke to the students and answered questions during two video conferences as part of the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Heart of a Hall of Famer education series. During his talk, Houston described the characteristics that helped make him one of football’s greatest players — particularly having good character.

One student told him there are those who say Kashmere High school students and athletes will not make it in life because of the area they live in and the difficulties they face. Although they know that’s not true, he asked Houston how they can turn that negative statement into a positive one.

“With character you can go anywhere in life,” replied Houston. “You’re not limited by walls, where you’re born or what you’re doing. It’s about what you want to do and who you are.”

A Wheatley high school student wanted to know how football prepared Houston for life. “I learned many life lessons, especially how to work with people,” Houston said. “You’re reminded the team is larger than the individual.”

Throughout the talk he encouraged the students to always listen to their parents, teachers, and coaches. He reminded them that character is something you can control and how you carry yourself will determine how people view you.

During Ken Houston’s career he played for the Houston Oilers and the Washington Redskins and in 1986 he was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. After Houston’s professional football career ended, he became very involved in HISD. In fact, he not only worked as an academic counselor for at-risk special education homebound and hospitalized students, but he also coached football at Westbury and Wheatley high schools.

The Heart of a Hall of Famer series was made possible because of Kenny Houston, Jerry Csaki and the Pro Football Hall of Fame, the National Football League, the Houston Texans, and the Texas Southern University School of Business. The event was coordinated by HISD Strategic Partnerships Department and the HISD athletics department.