The Saskatchewan Roughriders returned to the practice field this week, giving defensive end Willie Jefferson a chance to clear his mind.
“Once I step off the field, that’s where my mind goes back to friends and family and the community of Houston and Beaumont,” said Jefferson.
Jefferson, who grew up in Beaumont, Texas and then later moved to Houston, has been worrying about his home state all week and ever since news of Hurricane Harvey began circulating.
READ MORE: Harvey: Death toll from flood-ravaged Texas climbs to 31
“Me knowing that my dad and brother are safe, my mom is in good hands, and my family is taken care of and in a good spot takes a little bit off of me.”
As the hurricane continues to hit the southern Texas area, Jefferson is sticking with the Roughriders, pledging to do what he can from Regina.
“It hurts me to my heart, me not being there me able to comfort my mom, my girl, my niece and nephews it puts me at a real standstill.”
While Jefferson provides support for his family back in Texas, his teammates in Saskatchewan, are doing the same for him.
“When hard times fall upon you or your family members you have to have something to lean on, I lean on my teammates.”
“It’s sad, it’s sad to see that. I couldn’t imagine being away like Willie and being away from your loved ones knowing something like that is going on,” said Riders quarterback Kevin Glenn
Jefferson is planning to do more fundraising on social media, and on Saturday, when the riders host their annual “Fan Day” at Mosaic Stadium.
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