Photo By Spc. Patrick Connery | Houston Texans running back Woody Marks, center right, poses for a photo with campers and coaches during the Woody Marks youth football camp Saturday at Phantom Warrior Stadium at Fort Hood, Texas, July 11, 2026. The two-day camp gave military-connected youth the opportunity to develop football skills, build teamwork and learn from Marks and coaches from the organization ProCamps. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Patrick M. Connery) see less
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Houston Texans’ Woody Marks pays it forward with pro football camp for youth
FORT HOOD, Texas - Footballs flew through the air as children sprinted across Phantom Warrior Stadium, weaving through drills while cheers echoed from teammates and coaches during Houston Texans running back Woody Marks’ youth football camp this past weekend.
For many of the campers, the weekend offered more than an opportunity to improve their game, it was a chance to learn from an NFL player who once stood where they are.
Hosted at Fort Hood, the two-day camp brought together more than 100 children for instruction focused on football fundamentals, teamwork and personal growth.
For Marks, those lessons were always intended to extend beyond the field.
“Football is football,” Marks said. “Being a better person is what you want to be.… The best part about this world is just meeting new people, having connections.”
The idea for bringing the camp to Fort Hood stemmed from previous visits Marks made to military installations, including a trip to Hawaii where he spent time with military children and families. Those experiences inspired him to create a similar opportunity for military-connected youth in Texas.
“Just coming out here, seeing the kids, being around a great environment — I know what these guys go through,” Marks said. “It’s a lot from traveling, being around the world, not knowing where you’re going to be. (So I like) just coming back and giving the kids something to be happy about.”
Throughout the two-day camp, children rotated through several drills, competitions and position instructions while learning from Marks and camp coaches. Although football remained the focus, Marks said his greatest hope was that every child left with new friendships and a stronger sense of confidence.
“It’s not about us,” Marks said. “It’s about the kids.”
Command Sgt. Maj. Loyd Rhoades, U.S. Army Garrison-Fort Hood command sergeant major, said hosting the camp highlighted the post’s commitment to military families by providing children with opportunities to build relationships while enjoying the game of football.
“Our military children are probably some of the most resilient children out there because they get moved around every two to three years,” Rhoades said. “Being able to have this type of program brings children together so they can share their stories and play together as a team.”
Rhoades said he hopes the campers leave with a greater appreciation for teamwork, a lesson that applies both on the football field and throughout life.
“There’s no ‘I’ in team,” Rhoades said. “Everything in life, you work together as a team.”
For 13-year-old Jason Estrada of South Belton Middle School in Belton, Texas, the camp provided an opportunity to compete alongside other young athletes while meeting a player he had watched from afar.
“I learned that there’s a lot of talented kids here,” Estrada said. “I’m glad to meet them.”
James Smith, a parent of one of the camp participants, expressed opportunities like this are especially meaningful for military families because they allow children to discover new skills while learning valuable life lessons.
“I would like him to gain an opportunity,” Smith said. “There’s always an opportunity wherever you go, and you never know where and when your opportunity is going to come.”
Marks closed the camp with a message that reflected both his own journey to the NFL and the purpose behind bringing the event to Fort Hood.
“No matter what round you’re picked in, no matter if you’re drafted or not, you still have an opportunity,” Marks said. “Once you get the opportunity, you’ve got to take advantage of it.”
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