Charity rarely happens without motivation, except when one man’s trash becomes another man’s treasure.
For Texans quarterback Matt Schaub, his latest act of charity is significant, and admirable. According to the Associated Press, Schaub’s foundation donated $200,000 to Texas Children’s Hospital.
In isolation, only the crustiest cynic would wonder whether Schaub’s contribution is aimed at marshaling public support as his six-year, $48 million contract with the team comes to a conclusion. Coupled with Schaub’s words, however, even the most naive would be unable to miss the possible link between the check Schaub is cutting now and the checks he hopes to receive in the future.
“It’s something that Laurie and I didn’t want to put together just for a flash in the pan, a one- or two-year thing,” Schaub said of the payment. “We wanted to do this as long as we can, as long as we’re here in Houston, wherever we are after that. It’s very important for us to be here, because we’ve developed such a great relationship with the people here. It’s important for us to keep this thing going as long as we can.”
The Texans reportedly don’t plan to consider giving Schaub a new contract until he proves that he’s healthy. On Monday, Schaub declined to address either his contract or his health, explaining that he’d touch on those topics next week.
It’s a smart move. If he’d discussed the team’s reluctance to give him a new deal while also discussing his donation to Texas Children’s Hospital, the possible link between the two otherwise unrelated topics could have been even more obvious.
As it relates to Schaub’s contract, what’s obvious is that the new contract signed by Saints quarterback Drew Brees lifts all quarterback boats, putting Schaub in line for more -- either from the Texans or on the open market.
In the end, it makes sense for the Texans to keep Schaub. But apart from his ability to stay healthy, his expectations on a new deal will be a major factor. If he’s willing to be charitable in that context, too, he likely will remain in Houston over the long haul.