(via chron.com)
Rookie receiver London Crawford wore a wide smile after practice Monday, seemingly confident in the chance he has been given with the Texans.
And with the life Crawford hashad, a little bit of opportunity is all he needs.
“All London has really ever needed is a chance,” said Janice Givens, a teacher who, along with her family, has looked after Crawford for several years.
As a ninth-grader in Mobile, Ala., Crawford was a difficult student and a troublemaker in Givens’ English class. But she saw something in him, and with positive attention, he responded well. After getting to know Crawford better, she realized he didn’t have much of a home life.
Crawford came from a gang-infested neighborhood, his mother used drugs, and his father was absent from his life. But with Givens’ guidance, he found direction, becoming a good student and a talented football player. Crawford forged a bond with Givens’ family and, because he was homeless on some nights, began to stay with them several times a week.
“I really didn’t have a lot and came from nothing,” Crawford said. “But they helped me become something.”
Going the distance
When Crawford averaged 27 yards per catch and had seven touchdowns as a senior at Alabama’s Davidson High School, he received dozens of scholarship offers from all over the country. To Givens’ surprise, his top priority was staying close to the family.
When Crawford decided on the University of Arkansas, the Givens family got behind him 100 percent and committed to move to Fayetteville.
“I’ve found a true family,” Crawford said to Givens and her husband, Bryan, before making his decision. “And I don’t want to lose that.”
Although Janice immediately landed a teaching job in Arkansas, Bryan did not find employment. The move put financial strain on the family.
“It was a real struggle, and it’s been hard for us,” Janice Givens said. “But we made a commitment to London, and we were determined to stick by that.”
In four seasons at Arkansas, Crawford totaled 53 catches for 747 yards and four touchdowns while catching the eyes of NFL scouts. Although he was disappointed he wasn’t drafted in April, he received a phone call from the Texans within five minutes of the draft’s end.
Crawford’s first concern with moving to Houston was the distance it would put between him and the Givens family. Putting him at ease, they promised that if he makes the Texans’ roster, they will relocate here.
As a physical reminder of the bond he has with the family, Crawford has a tattoo that Bryan designed to symbolize the environment Crawford came from and the home into which he was accepted. Below the design are the names of the Givens’ younger sons, Jonathon and Thomas. Bryan and Janice also have the tattoo on their backs.
Throughout camp, Crawford has been one of the Texans’ most pleasant surprises. After aggravating his knee last week, he held his head high and rehabilitated the injury, and he will be back on the practice field today.
Kudos from Johnson
Aside from the injury, competing against an elite receiving corps has been tough for Crawford. But even Andre Johnson, arguably the best receiver in the NFL, complimented his play.
“He’s looking good,” Johnson said. “Once he gets the playbook and the speed of the game down pat, he’ll be a good receiver for us.”
After practice Monday, Crawford spoke with his agent, Robert McKenzie, who fittingly has the ringtone London Calling by the Clash designated for Crawford’s calls. McKenzie has been a familiar face in a new environment for Crawford, something he has appreciated in the absence of Janice Givens, whom he has grown to call mom.
“He has a huge uphill battle right now,” she said. “But wherever he ends up is where we’re going to be. We’re by his side 100 percent.”
