HOUSTON — Pro Football Hall of Famer Andre Johnson readily offered encouragement for girls aspiring to play football: “Tell them, get out there.”

Johnson was present at NRG Stadium in Houston on Saturday, taking part in the screening of a documentary titled “The Herricanes.” This film chronicles a pioneering women’s professional tackle football team that played in Houston during the 1970s. The event was attended by former members of the Herricanes, the documentary’s director Olivia Kuan, the girls flag football team from Houston Westbury High School, and Hannah McNair, who is the vice president of the Houston Texans Foundation and spouse of Texans owner Cal McNair.

The Texans are dedicated to promoting participation among girls in football within the city. The team’s foundation currently sponsors flag football teams in 12 high schools within the Houston Independent School District, along with nine additional charter schools. Beginning next year, the Texans plan to broaden this initiative to encompass all 25 high schools in the HISD while advocating for the state to recognize girls flag football as an official UIL sport.

“Last year, we redirected our foundation’s focus toward girls flag football, with the intention of providing all girls in Houston with the opportunity to engage in a sport we hold dear, as we understand its potential to transform lives,” said McNair. “It can enhance a girl’s well-being, foster community among participants, and inspire individuals within the game.”

The McNair family has a deep connection to flag football; Janice McNair, the widow of late Texans founder Bob McNair, played Powder Puff football in her college days, while Hannah participated in flag football during graduate school. Their daughter Hunter is currently involved in a boys’ flag football league.