While many spent the entire holiday weekend celebrating with friends and family, Miami Dolphins cornerback Xavien Howard held a youth football camp in his hometown of Houston, Texas.
Howard was joined by Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, who also grew up near Houston, and defensive tackle Raekwon Davis. Over 150 kids attended the event that Howard set up to help get kids away from some of the things that he experienced as a child in the area.
“Stuff I seen, it made me numb to a lot of stuff,” Howard said to Pro Football Network’s Aaron Wilson. “I feel like a kid shouldn’t see that or go through that, but I took that, and it motivated me to get away from here. I seen everything as a kid you can see. Growing up here in the Fifth Ward, I feel like that just motivated me to keep going and put my family in a better situation.”
After talking about some of the great things that the former Baylor cornerback is doing in his community, he was asked about the new contract he received this offseason that ended a year-long dispute between the team and the player.
“I would say money is not everything to me personally,” Howard said. “I like people, the character they show. Money, it only gets you so far in life. The person, being the genuine person, the love you have for people, that’s what I care about. Money, it’s going to come. It’s just really how you treat people. The deal is done with the Dolphins. It was mostly about respect. I’m happy with where I’m at right now and just focus on stuff and keep going.”
Now that the deal is settled, Howard can continue focusing on being one of the best cornerbacks in the league, perhaps finding his way onto another All-Pro team and making a difference in the lives of young people in his community.
