LOCAL Houston | The City Guide JUNE 2016 | Page 43

FOOD | ARTS | COMMUNITY | STYLE+LEISURE

SPORTS

WHITNEY MERCILUS (MER-SIH-LUS)
Coming in Hot
By Jayme Lamm | Photography by Jenn Duncan
Shot on Location at Hamilton Shirts
www.hamiltonshirts.com

Last May, the Houston Texans signed WHITNEY MERCILUS, OLB, to a contract extension. After that, Mercilus continued to
have a career year, setting personal bests in sacks (12.0), tackles (50), tackles for loss (14) and fumble recoveries (two).
Even with those numbers, he’s still only willing to call his season “decent” because he knows he’s got a lot more to give.
Heading into 2016, Mercilus promises Houston fans two things: more
intensity on the field and getting more involved in the city. “I feel like my
face is going to be out there more, especially with the foundation I’m creating,” he says. The Mercilus Foundation is just steps away from officially
being introduced to Houston, and it’s one the Illinois graduate has had his
hardworking hands in every step of the way (even filing the EIN paperwork). In short, “the focus is helping underprivileged families raising kids
with disabilities,” he says. It’s a cause he says he’s “so in love” with, which
for a moment makes you forget he’s a 6-foot-4, 258lb beast of a man who
tackles other men for a living.

cially with the presidential elections going on. Know exactly what’s going
on in your community or how you can help impact somebody directly.
Doing community work is very important because I would say to whom
much is given, much is expected, so if you’re in a great position like myself
and on a high platform, why not be a voice for somebody or a specific
cause?” he says. It’s no secret Mercilus is a beast on the field, but what’s
surprising is how educated and articulate he is. He says that catches people
off-guard quite often. “When I go rub shoulders with top level people, they
are often surprised how well-educated and mature I am versus a few counterparts in the NFL who have ended up in news reports,” he says.

“It’s what I studied in college – Community Health Disability and
Rehabilitation Concentration – essentially helping disabled people with
home accommodations, home living, work space, transportation and
more,” he explains. It’s clear from the start Mercilus is not only dedicated to
the cause, he’s well-informed and educated on the matter. “That’s where my
heart is,” he continues. “I love working with kids and wanted to do something to help families who can’t afford the medical equipment or the pharmaceuticals,” he says.

As for how he beats the heat during these hot summer months? “I keep the
air conditioner on all day every day. But I also go to the pool and grab
some ice cream cones,” he jokes. He’ll almost always leave the house for
a pool party invite. With the recent draft, Mercilus is ready to get back on
the field. “I don’t get ahead of myself, but I’m excited to see where we are
at as a complete team, especially with all the moves in the off-season,” he
shares.

Mercilus is one of the rare athletes who sees the big picture, beyond the
football field. “Education is very important – know your surroundings, espe-

We asked Mercilus to fill in the blank: I wish more people in the world
would be kinder.

june 16 |

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