HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Martellus Bennett won a Super Bowl in Houston in 2017.
Now nine years later, he’s enjoying what he calls a creative Super Bowl in his hometown.
“This is very big for me because this is where my imagination, where it bloomed the most, so to bring back the ideas that I had (that) were born in this city and with these people is an awesome thing,” Bennett told ABC13.
Those ideas Bennett is talking about have manifested into a new Disney Jr. series called “Hey A.J.!”
Watch: Former NFL player from Houston inspires new Disney Jr. series
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The show follows the real-life relationship Bennett has with his own daughter, Austyn Jett, or A.J., and was inspired by the books he wrote of the same name.
On Saturday, members of the community and their families were invited to the historic River Oaks Theatre to catch a never-before-seen episode from the whimsical and music-filled series that Bennett not only executive produced, but lends his voice to as the dad, Marty.
Like the real-life version of Bennett, the animated “Marty” is also a retired football player.
“I hope everyone gets the chance to check out the show, watch it, enjoy it, watch it with your family, and also don’t just watch it, go out and play and be inspired by what you have watched,” Bennett said.
“We loved it. This guy was engaged the whole time,” parent Steven Jansen said of his son. “He couldn’t take his eyes away. So totally into it.”
The occasion was indeed a family affair.
Bennett’s brother, Michael, who also played in the NFL, attended as did their parents.
Martellus’ wife Siggy, who is depicted in the show, was part of the festivities as was the show’s namesake and Amari McCoy, the young Disney actress who voices A.J.
“I feel like A.J. tapped into that grounded diversity that we all know and love and that we just really need,” McCoy said of the character. “A.J. is just a normal girl. You can always relate to her. She’s someone I would have loved to have growing up and I’m glad that other kids can experience it.”
“Hey A.J!” posters decked the walls and windows of the theatre, which also proudly displayed Bennett’s and the series’ name on the iconic marquee.
Children danced to the sounds of Disney DJs and had the opportunity to meet Bennett, plus receive “Hey A.J!” swag.
After the screening, the reviews rolled in, and the most important part is that it was centered on community.
Groups including CoolxDad, Mocha Moms, Inc., Jack and Jill of America, Inc. and Boys & Girls Club were all there for the monumental moment.
“It was such a creative experience as far as the production,” said Kim McClain with Jack and Jill. “The young girl had such a great imagination and so did the dad. I love their relationship. It’s very beautiful.”
“To see a screening centered on the animation that’s telling the relationship between a father and a daughter, that’s exactly what we wanted. That’s why we need more of this happening in Houston,” said Kevin Barnett, founder of CoolxDad.
The first seven episodes of “Hey A.J.!” are streaming now on Disney+ with additional episodes set to debut later this year.
Disney is the parent company of ABC13.
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