Nike Football’s Super Bowl contribution wasn’t in the form of a massive party. Or even a display dedicated to their long standing relationship with the athletic community whether it be on the field or training. Instead the longstanding sportswear giant chose to give back to two outstanding football communities from two of the more historic districts in the city.

From the early 1920s to the 1960s, Jack Yates High of Third Ward and Phyllis Wheatley High of Fifth Ward played annually in the Turkey Day Classic, arguably the most anticipated high school game in the city. Due to UIL rules stating that all regular season games need be finished before Thanksgiving break; the Turkey Day Classic was shuttered. Until now. Nike has partnered with both schools to revive the legendary game this upcoming football season.

Using The Opening, Nike’s regional high school football skills competition as the ultimate prize for individual players, the company pulled out all the stops for the two storied programs. On Thursday, the two squads gathered together for “The Inspiration” banquet featuring former Heisman Trophy winner Andre Ware, current Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson and motivational speaker Dr. Eric Thomas.

Johnson, who grew up facing multiple hardships in Iowa, told us before the event of how much he cherished moments like this. “It’s a blessing. My biggest thing is letting them know that it doesn’t matter where you are, where you started, you can always follow your dreams. I wasn’t highly recruited out of high school. They can still make it. It’s not going to be easy. People will down talk you and tried to lead you the wrong way. You still have a chance to follow your dreams.”

Thomas, a Michigan State University graduate, parted with life altering advice for the student athletes in attendance. He preached about tapping into giving 120%, using Nike athlete Serena Williams as an example. “You get in the game to play and you get in the game to win,” he said.

During the banquet, the athletes saw the new Nike inspired gear for both Jack Yates & Wheatley for the 2017 school year and were appropriately ecstatic. From a custom mural and art installations by Houston-based artist Gonzo to a large block party at the Denver Harbor Multi Service Center in Fifth Ward, Nike Football leveraged its unique power as a sports powerhouse to unite communities through the game. Students could interact with actual NFL pros such as Jarvis Landry of the Miami Dolphins, Eddie George, Bruce Matthews, Mike Evans of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, former Green Bay Packer Donald Driver, Michael Thomas & more.

Nike Football also energized the future athletes of tomorrow with a partnership with the YMCA of Greater Houston for the “H-Town Huddle”, an upcoming 10-week flag football season for athletes ranging from ages 7-12. On Friday night (February 3), the kids took the field clad in their Nike apparel, looking the part of a future NFL star.