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Michael Huff on his NFL Celebrity Weekend
Michael Huff is back. The former Longhorn defensive stand-out, 2005 Jim Thorpe Award winner and current Oakland Raider is returning to Austin for his second annual NFL Celebrity Benefit this weekend. We talked with him by phone from California.
Growing up, I never had that kind of support around me. I had it from my family, but not from outside. Just to see NFL players and be around them would have brightened my day and focused me even more.
Your charities are Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas and Women Called Moses Coalition and Outreach Center in Dallas. Why?
I love kids. I don’t have any, but I love being around them. Visiting the hospital, seeing what some are going through, it tests my heart. As for the (Dallas center for abused women), I’m close to my mom, and I always wonder if what happened to them, happened to her.
You grew up in Irving, where you family still lives. Is Austin like a second hometown?
It’s my one-and-half hometown. (He laughs) I was there five years. Coach (Mack) Brown is like my dad. The other players were like my brothers. You go through all that blood, sweat and tears, you never forget it.
But you’re in California now.
I live in Texas; I work in Oakland. I’m a Texas boy at heart. It’s hard to get adjusted out here.
It’s not a coincidence that your event coincides with the Texas Relays, right?
The Texas Relays have always been big in my life. I’ve been running track since I was 5. And you know, the athletes are already in town, so it’s easier to get them involved. And for the people at the track meet, it’s hot outside, they can come into the air conditioning for a while, the go back to the meet.
It’s such a social weekend. A lot going on.
A lot going on. We have trouble getting rooms for all the players. We have to plan a year out. We’re thinking of maybe syncing more closely with the Relays down the line.
So NFL players on the basketball court. Quite a sight. Did you all play high school basketball?
Everybody except me. I was the one not blessed with any basketball talent at all. I may be the best worst basketball player. I look good in my shoes and everything. But not dribbling or making shots. There are guys out there dunking, making me look bad.
So you keep up with Michael Griffin, who owns a house here.
Griff, he’s the one I keep in touch with, yes. I lived with him at Texas. I’m gonna hang out at his house, drive all his cars. Always keep up with Griff.
Playing in the NFL must be quite a switch from college ball.
You don’t appreciate it until you leave. I tell (the new players), cherish every moment at Texas. It’s the best out there. The NFL is all business, not as much fun. There’s not that bond you have in college. That’s where it happens.
Events and stars: The second annual Michael Huff NFL Celebrity Benefit includes a visit to the Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas, a private Evening with the Stars casino night, and the NFL celebrity basketball game at the Austin Convention Center (12:30 p.m. Saturday). Among the participating celebrities: Tim Crowder, Denver Broncos; Michael Griffin, Tennessee Titans; Antoine Harris, Atlanta Falcons; Chris Houston, Atlanta Falcons; Chris Johnson, Oakland Raiders; Derrick Johnson, Kansas City Chiefs; Aaron Ross, New York Giants; Roy Williams, Dallas Cowboys; and more.
Tickets: $20 at participating H-E-B locations, both University Co-op locations and Mitchie’s Gallery. A limited number of $50 VIP tickets are also available. Children under 5 free.
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By Sherri Roldan
April 5, 2009 12:33 AM | Link to this
This was a great and funny game. It was for a great cause! Hope you continue to show more love and appreciation to these young kids that look up to you! Keep doing a great job.. Mike.. hope to see you all next year for the 3rd annual :)
By Franco in California
March 31, 2009 6:10 AM | Link to this
What in the world does Michael Huff need in order to "get adjusted" to Oakland and California? I'll give him a hint: Oakland may not be Austin, but Huff should focus on why he finds himself in Oakland. He's there because, as a talented athlete, he was drafted highly (and paid handsomely) in 2005 by the Oakland Raiders and their owner, Al Davis. Yes, that Al Davis, the legendary NFL man who also bestowed opportunity on John Madden, Tom Flores, George Blanda, Gene Upshaw, Art Shell, Dave Casper, Fred Bilitnikof, John Matuczak, Jim Plunkett, Matt Millen, Bob Golic, Todd Christensen, Jeff Hostetler, and, of course, the telegenic Howie Long, who once told an interviewer that he would have no problem playing alongside a gay football teammate. Doesn't Huff want to someday have his name mentioned alongside all those Raider legends? Or would he rather be back in Austin, playing golf and boating? There will be plenty of time for such luxuries when Huff retires. For now, think Raiders, Raiders, Raiders--and just win, baby!