The Ongoing Autobiography of Frank Carrera (fcarrera3) wrote, @ 2010-08-07 20:47:00

Greatest Training Camp EVER
Every year for the past 3 or 4 years, we go to the Texans Training Camp, which is open to the public on certain days.

These days are great if you want to get some autographs from some of your favorite players. I have a ton of stuff signed, Jerseys, footballs, mini-helmets, it's something I have fun doing and the kids get a kick out of it too.

This year I got a email from the Texans newletter that there was going to be a Jr. Reporter Contest for kids 12 and under. Kids write an essay about what they like most about the Houston Texans. They would chose 10 kids to interview a player after practice. Here's what Jazz sent it:

Why do I love the Texans so much nobody knows. Before I get any farther let me introduce myself. My name is Jasmine Carrera, I'm 10 years old
and I love to write stories,I love the Texans,I'm a people person, and I am an outside person. The reason I love the Texans so much is because they are our hometown team and they play in our backyard that's how close I am to the stadium. The reason I say that is because the Texans inspire me to try to go to the games more often. Every time I go to the Texans Games they always win, it's kinda weird.Another reason I like the Texans is because I have an amazing favorite player and his name is Jacoby Jones and I love to watch him play during Training Camp. My family also love the Texans exspecialy my dad. Him and I go bananas when they get a touchdown everybody can hear us. It's kinda funny. Can't wait for Training Camp and football season. I hope everyone have a safe summer and a safe training camp (that goes for you football player only ) be safe kids.

FOOTBALL SEASON

HERE I COME

AND HELLO

SUMMER TRAINING

CAMP

Houston Texans here WE come
THE END

So just before Training camp started, I get an email from the Houston Texans saying Jasmine had been chosen along with 9 other kids! They asked us to pick a day from a list of days they would have the kids do their interviews.

We signed Jasmine up for the 1st day.

When we got to the practice that day, we met up with the Texans representative and he broke down the events of the day. We went over the questions Jasmine wanted to asked and told us to meet back at the autograph area after practice.

Laura, Angie, my Mom, Jasmine and myself reported to the area and waited for her player to show up. The rep told us she'd be interviewing Safety Bernard Pollard.

Brief history on Bernard Pollard:
Bernard was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs about in 2006 (i think?), he played with the Chiefs for 3 years and was released last season. The Texans picked him up towards the end of preseason and he started playing as a starter around game 4. When he hit the field, he made a NOTABLE difference in our defense! This guy was everywhere! He brought a toughness and nastiness the Texans have never had before! He quickly became a fan favorite.

Jasmine asked Bernard the following:
-What inspired you to play football as a kid?
-What is your favorite thing about playing for the Houston Texans?
-Who is your favorite cartoon character?
-What is the name of your Touchdown dance?
-Who would be your partner in a 3 legged race?

They are supposed to post this interview on the Houston Texans website, I'll post it when it's up. For now, here's the video I took (sorry for the volume, it's kinda hard to hear from where I stood).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMzRzPm1CNw

The next day, a short blurb about the interview came out in the Houston Chronicle's Sports section.

This really blew us away. The caption said "Reporter in the Making" and talked about how Jazz won the contest and her interview questions.

Jump again 3 or 4 days, we were at training camp and Jazz saw Bernard Pollard signing autographs for fans after practice. She ran up to him and he recognized her right away. She asked him, "Did you see us in the paper?!"

He replied, "No! It came out?"

"Yeah!" and she told him what it said.

"That's cool! You gotta bring me one!"

Jazz tells him, "I will! My dad bought a whole bunch!"

Jump again to today.

Today is the last day of camp for us. No one wanted to come. Frankie said he was tired, Angie said it was too hot, everyone else had to work. Jasmine, always my trooper, got up at 6:30, stumbled around her room to get dressed and ready. We stopped for donuts and headed to practice.

It was hot.

Man, probably the hottest day so far this week.

After practice, we saw players signing autographs and again we saw Bernard Pollard. Jasmine runs up to him and says, "Hey Bernard!"

Immediately he recognizes her and says, "Jazz! You got my paper?"

She says, "No! I left it in the car!"

"In the car? What good is it going to do me there?!"

"I can go get it, are you going to here long?"

"I don't know, Jazz. Where are you parked?" (Granted, he's signing autographs this whole time he's talking to her).

"Over there."

"Where's over there? Over there can be anywhere."

"Over there, across the street."

"Tell you what, tell your mom or dad to bring you to the Player's Gate. I'll meet you there."

"Ok!"

I was standing behind the crowd, but heard their conversation, but didn't want to get her hopes up. We saw a few other players signing and got more autographs (Andre Johnson signed my jersey!!!)

On our way to the truck, Jasmine reminds me we have to go to the Player's Gate to meet Bernard to give him his paper. I told her, "Mija, I don't think he's going to be there. He's got alot to do."

"But he said he'll be there. We gotta go, Dad."

Relucantly, I drove to the back of Reliant Stadium. We parked and walked across the street to the guard shack. I explained to the lady at the shack our story and we were wanting to leave that newspaper for Bernard.

She looked at us kinda crazy, but called someone who called someone who called her back and said someone would be out.

About 10 mins later, this guy comes out and tells us, "Hey Jasmine! I remember you. Hey, great job with your interview. Bernard is in the showers, but he'll meet you out her in a little bit."

We then start talking about the weather, practices and just stuff to kill time. After a while, he goes, "you know what? it's HOT out here, you guys want to go inside? We can meet him at the locker room."

"uh...sure!"

So we jump on his golf cart and he takes us inside!

On the way in, we see Mario Williams going to this truck, a few other players walking around and some coaches. He parks us outside the locker room and we talk some more.

Now understand, I'm doing everything I can not to lose my shit at this point! I whisper to Jasmine, "be cool. Act like you belong and you do this all the time..." I think this was more for myself then it was for her!

A few minutes later Bernard comes out and welcomes us with a warm "JASMINE...you got my paper?"

"Yep, right here"

"Let me see that...REPORT IN THE MAKING...look a that...", and goes on to read the blurb. "Hey, that's pretty cool, J. Where you guys parked at?"

I tell him across the street. "Ok, cool. Well, walk with me."

And we walk with him to his ride.

While we walk, we talk about the weather, practice and he give Jasmine some great positive talk about sticking to her goals, doing good in school and not giving up. We talk about how well she does in school, the fact she's always the teacher's helper and other stuff. Just talking, like he knew us forever. It was CRAZY!

When we get to his ride, he goes, "where you guys parked?"

We tell him across the street. "Come on, I'll give ya'll a ride."

....what?! Are you freakin' serious?...

So we jump in his Navigator and he give us a ride across the street. We show him our ride, and he thanks Jasmine again for the news paper. He then tells Jasmine, "Hey Jazz, let me give you my email address. You ever need anything, you let me know. Keep in touch, ok?"

We thank him and wished him a great season.

As he drove off, we got into the Durango and royally LOST OUR SHIT!!!

Amazing!

It was literally the coolest thing I have ever experienced.

Now and forever, GO TEXANS!!!!