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Texas Heroes Rally to Rebuild After Storms

A Texas legend and his gridiron brothers are rallying to rebuild their storm-ravaged home state, proving the heart of the Dallas Cowboys beats strongest in times of need. On July 9, 2025, Emmitt Smith, the NFL’s all-time leading rusher and Cowboys icon, spearheaded a $500,000 donation through his Pat & Emmitt Smith Charities to aid flood relief efforts in Texas. Joined by fellow Texas-born Cowboys legends Dez Bryant, Bob Lilly, and Ronald Jones, Smith’s mission was clear: to lift up the communities that shaped them.

Emmitt Smith – Dallas Cowboys Legendary Running Back: Guest Speaker for  Thursday, June 5th “Legends of the Game” Speaker Series Luncheon |  Charlotte Touchdown Club

The devastating floods that swept through Houston and Kerr County left thousands of families displaced, with homes destroyed and hope in short supply. Smith, a native of West Orange-Stark, Texas, felt the call to act. His donation, paired with hands-on efforts from Bryant, Lilly, and Jones, is providing food, clean water, medical supplies, and funds for rebuilding. “Texas raised us, and we’re here to raise Texas back up,” Smith said, his words resonating with the crowd at a Houston relief center.

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Smith didn’t stop at writing a check—he showed up, sleeves rolled up, alongside his fellow Cowboys alumni. Dez Bryant, hailing from Lufkin, hosted a charity auction of signed Cowboys gear, adding thousands to the relief fund. Bob Lilly, the Olney-born Hall of Famer, shared stories of Texas resilience to inspire volunteers. Ronald Jones, from McKinney, rallied local businesses to chip in. Together, their efforts are projected to help over 1,200 families recover, according to relief organizers.

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The impact of this Cowboys-led initiative goes beyond dollars and cents—it’s a testament to the unbreakable spirit of Texas. “Seeing Emmitt and these guys here feels like the whole state is fighting for us,” said Maria Sanchez, a Houston resident who lost her home. Their presence has galvanized communities, reminding everyone that the Cowboys’ star shines brightest when it lifts others up. Smith’s leadership, paired with the brotherhood of Texas-born players, has turned tragedy into a rallying cry for unity.

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This is more than a relief effort; it’s a love letter to Texas, signed by its gridiron heroes. As the state rebuilds, Smith and his teammates are paving the way for a stronger, more united future. The Cowboys’ legacy, rooted in heart and hustle, continues to inspire hope, proving that when Texas calls, its champions answer—on and off the field.

Eagles Star CB Faces Family Tragedy After Week 5 Game as Military-Trained Skydiving Instructor Dies in Nashville
Philadelphia Eagles defensive back Cooper DeJean is mourning a profound personal loss following the team’s Week 5 game , as his cousin Justin Fuller a respected military-trained skydiving instructor, died in a tragic tandem jump accident near Nashville.   Fuller, 35, was fatally injured after becoming separated from his parachute harness mid-air during a jump organized by Go Skydive Nashville. His student survived after landing in a tree with the parachute deployed and was later rescued by firefighters. Police confirmed Fuller’s body was recovered in a wooded area off Ashland City Highway. The Nashville Fire Department called it “one of the most complex high-angle rescues in recent years,” commending its personnel for the effort. Justin Fuller, known by the nickname "Spidey," died after a tandem skydiving jump went wrong on Oct. 4, 2025, near Nashville, Tennessee.  (Facebook/Justin Fuller Spidey ) Fuller, known affectionately as “Spidey,” had completed more than 5,000 jumps and trained U.S. military personnel in advanced aerial maneuvers. Friends described him as “fearless, focused, and committed to lifting others higher — both in life and in the air.”   DeJean —whose mother is the younger sister of Fuller’s mother, grew up admiring his cousin’s discipline and sense of purpose. Family members say that influence helped shape his mental toughness and leadership on the field. A relative told local media, “Justin taught Dejean that strength isn’t about being unbreakable — it’s about standing firm when life hits hardest. That’s exactly how he lives and plays today.” In the Eagles’ defensive system, DeJean has steadily earned complete trust thanks to his versatility — working outside at corner, in the slot (nickel), and on coverage units — and standing out for top-end speed, precise tackling angles, and the ability to read quarterbacks. Coaches describe him as “calm, wise beyond his years, and disciplined at the catch point,” consistently maintaining leverage and finishing clean in tight spaces. Through the first five games of 2025, DeJean has played every defensive snap and totaled 36 tackles (26 solo) with five passes defensed, reinforcing his value on the perimeter and inside.  The Philadelphia Eagles have provided time and private support for DeJean and his family, ensuring he can grieve without team-related obligations. Teammates have stood beside him, honoring both his resilience and his family’s tradition of service. An FAA investigation into the accident is underway, while tributes to “Spidey” continue to pour in across social media from military colleagues, fellow skydivers, and fans nationwide.“He taught others to fly — now he flies higher than all of us,” one tribute read. DeJean kept his public remarks brief before being embraced by teammates:“He taught me not to fear the height — only the moment you forget to look down and pull someone else up with you. This week, I’m playing for him.”