Pro Football Retired Players Association Announces Award Recipients for 2nd Annual PFRPA Champions Banquet in Houston

ARLINGTON, Va., July 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Pro Football Retired Players Association (PFRPA), a national organization that develops programs and benefits for retired NFL players, announced today that four awardees, among them Former Houston Texans Players Andre Johnson and Wade Smith, will be honored at the 2nd Annual PFRPA Champions Banquet for their contributions as champions for the communities they serve. The event is set to take place on Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025, at the Directors Club at NRG Stadium in Houston.

PFRPA Board Chair and Retired NFL Player Darrell Thompson commended the dedication of the PFRPA Champions Award recipients to both the retired player and Greater Houston communities.

"Each of these outstanding individuals has demonstrated exceptional service to others," Thompson remarked. "We are honored to recognize their respective contributions and achievements this September."

The 2025 PFRPA Champions Award recipients are:

• Andre Johnson, Pro Football Hall of Famer and Retired Houston Texans Wide Receiver.
• Kandyace Mayberry, Director of Alumni Relations at the Houston Texans.
• Wade Smith, Retired Houston Texans Guard and Founder of the Wade Smith Foundation.
• Lemuel Stinson, NFL Alumni Houston Chapter President and Founder of the Lemuel Stinson Foundation.

Since his rookie season with the Houston Texans, Johnson has consistently given back to the Greater Houston area and his hometown of Miami, with a particular focus on supporting children and families in need.

Mayberry has been with the Houston Texans since 2008. In her current position, she plays a key leadership role in assisting the Texans former player community. Additionally, she oversees events for the Houston Texans Foundation and has been instrumental in facilitating the Texans' relationship with the Greater Houston community.

Smith, a former guard and Pro Bowler for the Houston Texans between 2010 and 2013, is also the founder of the Wade Smith Foundation. The Foundation supports youth programs in the Greater Houston and Dallas/Fort Worth Areas with a focus on literacy and education.

Stinson, a native Houstonian and former cornerback for the Chicago Bears and Atlanta Falcons, heads the local NFL Alumni Chapter for NFL players who reside in the area. He also founded the Lemuel Stinson Foundation in 2016, which focuses on championing initiatives aimed at youth and military veterans.

In addition to the four honorees, Fox 26 Houston's Nate Griffin has been confirmed as the emcee for the event. Griffin, best known for his role as the sports reporter/anchor on The Morning Show, also serves as color analyst for Rice Owls radio football broadcasts.

PFRPA Executive Director Joe Agbasi emphasized the significance of the PFRPA Champions Award and the profound impact one person can have on an entire community.

"The PFRPA Champions Award is more than a recognition of personal achievement—it's a celebration of service, leadership and lasting influence," Agbasi said. "It honors those whose efforts uplift others and strengthen the fabric of communities. We look forward to celebrating each of our champions this fall."

The list of confirmed guests for the 2nd Annual PFRPA Champions Banquet include legends of the game, such as Hall of Famer and Former Green Bay Packers Linebacker Dave Robinson; Hall of Famer and Former Los Angeles Chargers and Las Vegas Raiders Offensive Lineman Ron Mix; Green Bay Packers Hall of Famer and Former Houston Texans Running Back Ahman Green; and Hall of Famer and Former New England Patriots and Las Vegas Raiders Defensive Back Mike Haynes.

For event details and sponsorship opportunities, please visit bit.ly/pfrpachampionsbanquet25.

PFRPA focuses on solidifying and preserving the legacy of retired NFL players by creating and managing new revenue streams, while developing meaningful health, welfare and educational programs. The organization currently provides dental and vision insurance benefits to more than 10,200 retired players and more than 3,500 players' spouses.

About Pro Football Retired Players Association (PFRPA)
PFRPA is a champion for retired NFL players, dedicated to bettering the lives of those who contributed to the game. PFRPA, the first court-established retired NFL player organization, through its leadership and dedication, has been on a mission to solidify and preserve the legacy of retired NFL players. Through the Greater Good Fund, PFRPA's 501(c)(3) charitable foundation, PFRPA develops various health and welfare programs, designed exclusively for retired NFL players. The Football Greats Alliance, PFRPA's licensing agency, develops partnerships to drive meaningful revenue for retired NFL players and provide revenue for the Greater Good Fund to support all retired players. To date, more than 10,200 retired players and more than 3,500 players' spouses have enrolled in PFRPA insurance benefits. For more information about PFRPA, visit www.pfrpa.com.

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SOURCE Pro Football Retired Players Association