Rockets' Fred VanVleet Shares Championship Aspirations with Texans
HOUSTON — Less than 24 hours after helping the Houston Rockets take a 106-104 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans, Fred VanVleet made his way to NRG Stadium to enjoy Week 16 of the NFL Season.
VanVleet was the "Reppin' H-Town" honoree ahead of the Houston Texans' 36-22 defeat to the Cleveland Browns Sunday afternoon. As a professional athlete who has established himself as an All-Star point guard, the chance to enjoy a sporting event with family thrilled VanVleet despite the loss.
"It's different," VanVleet said. "It's two different worlds when you are out there on the field or court being in the mix of things and sitting in your chair and chilling. I will definitely enjoy having my feet up, watching the game from a distance."
Rockets guard Fred VanVleet (5) brings the ball up the court against Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum.
Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports
Vanvleet has helped the Rockets get off to a 15-12 start to the 2023-24 season. But despite the significance of a grueling 82-game season, he has kept an eye on the Texans.
He believes his adoration for the Texans in his first year in Houston is a way to build synergy among the two franchises.
VanVleet recently partnered with Texans offensive lineman Laremy Tunsil to host a surprise shopping spree for 50 kids from the Urban Enrichment Institute. They also hosted a Christmas dinner party, courtesy of Trill Burgers.
"I think with us being pillars in the community, it makes sense to bridge those gaps and make it one big happy family," VanVleet said. "As all of the teams do well, the city does well. I've been in a city that won a championship. I know what it can do to transform an entire country.
"We have to bring a championship to the city of Houston — that's the ultimate goal. I would love for it to be the Rockets, but I would not be mad if the Texans did it either."
As a kid growing up in Rockford, IL, VanVleet played football but quickly understood that basketball was his calling. He grew up rooting for the Chicago Bears and became a fan of wide receiver Devin Hester and linebacker Brian Urlacher during the mid-to-late 2000s.
