HOUSTON - In a packed auditorium, Wade Smith held court as he outlined the power of reading.

During the Texans' kickoff to their second year of a Reading with the Pros program at J.P. Henderson Elementary in Houston, the retired Pro Bowl offensive linemen and his foundation partnered with Kroger to support literacy and foster a positive relationship with reading in the Magnolia Park and Sunnyside neighborhoods.

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Smith was joined by Texans defensive tackles Tim Settle Jr. and Haggai Ndubuisi, linebacker Jamal Hill, mascot Toro and cheerleaders.

"I would say it's par for the course," Smith said. " It's exciting to be able to continue to be in these schools and to Impact them in a positive way and talk to them about the importance of literacy and how it affects them in such a positive way.

"It's awesome for them to get that enthusiasm. It's even more special when you know we're coming to read to them on a consistent basis and you see the progress that they make."

For Settle, the experience made him think about his childhood and his family. Including his young son.

"It didn't hit me until I was in here and I'm looking at these kids and I'm like, 'I've got a kindergartener at home,'" Settle said. "Being able to fill that role in and have kids look up to you and just being able to communicate and associate with them is deserved. Those are fans, too, man, you got to start them off early. It's definitely some real moments, especially being a father."

Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com