Houston sports legend Vernon Maxwell, affectionately known as “Mad Max” during his electrifying NBA career, is trading the hardwood for the fairway—but with a cause far greater than a championship ring. On Saturday, August 23, 2025, Maxwell will host the 2nd Annual Vernon Maxwell Foundation Golf Tournament at Hermann Park Golf Course, teeing off at 9:00 AM sharp, where celebrity athletes, advocates, and mental health champions will unite for a mission with meaning.

This isn't just another star-studded tournament—it’s a movement to de-stigmatize mental health in the sports world and beyond.

From Mad Max to Mental Health Maverick

Best remembered for helping the Houston Rockets clinch their first NBA Championship in 1994, Vernon Maxwell has long been known for his fearless spirit and fierce competitiveness. But behind the scenes of his on-court bravado, Maxwell was navigating challenges many athletes face silently—mental health struggles exacerbated by pressure, fame, and the unrelenting grind of pro sports.

“I was fighting battles no one could see,” Maxwell shared during a recent conversation at Texas Southern University, where he held his first mental health symposium. “Now I’m using my platform to help others fight theirs—with support, with love, and with honesty.”

Maxwell’s dedication has since evolved into a formal mental health-focused LLC and the birth of the Vernon Maxwell Foundation, created to raise awareness, foster dialogue, and fund sustainable mental wellness solutions for athletes of all ages.

The Power of Play with Purpose

This year’s tournament promises more than just epic drives and putts—it’s a celebration of camaraderie and healing. Confirmed guests include a dream team of former NBA and NFL stars such as Charles Oakley, Muggsy Bogues, Stephen Jackson, Matt Barnes, Byron Scott, JR Smith, Ryan Hollins, Lil Duval, Gerald Green, Mario Elie, Otis Thorpe, Derrick Harper, and others. Whether friends or former foes, they’re all rallying behind one cause: mental health awareness.

🏌️‍♂️ Tournament Highlights:

9:00 AM – Shotgun start at Hermann Park Golf Course

Celebrity Pairings – Golf alongside sports icons and entertainers

2:00 PM – Closing ceremony dedicated to athlete mental wellness

All Proceeds – Benefit the Vernon Maxwell Foundation’s mental health initiatives

A Legacy Beyond Basketball

Mental health in professional sports has too often been the quiet opponent—ignored, misunderstood, or stigmatized. Maxwell’s journey, both triumphant and turbulent, shines a light on why change is long overdue. As a player once celebrated for clutch shots, Maxwell now scores in the realm of humanity, courageously championing emotional wellness for a new generation.

“This tournament is about more than golf,” Maxwell says. “It’s about bringing people together to talk, to laugh, to learn—and to show that taking care of your mind is just as important as taking care of your game.”

Houston Style Magazine readers join Houston’s movers, shakers, athletes, and advocates for a cause-driven day that’s sure to inspire and uplift. Whether you come to swing, spectate, or support, one thing’s certain: the Vernon Maxwell Foundation’s 2nd Annual Golf Tournament is where healing begins—one swing at a time.