Hall of famer headlines Henson breakfast – Las Cruces Bulletin

Elijah Rey Reyes
Las Cruces Bulletin

Terrell Owens built a Hall of Fame football career by turning overlooked opportunities into success. 

On May 14, the NFL Hall of Famer brought that message to Las Cruces during the 18th annual Lou & Mary Henson Community Breakfast benefiting the Boys & Girls Club of Las Cruces. Hundreds gathered at the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum for the annual fundraiser, which featured Owens as the guest speaker while highlighting the organization’s work with local youth. 

“I never thought that I would really play beyond little league,†Owens said during an on-stage interview with New Mexico State University broadcaster Adam Young. “One opportunity presented itself, and I took full advantage of it.â€Â Â Â 

The breakfast opened with remarks recognizing sponsors, community leaders and long-time supporters of the organization. Oracle served as the event’s championship sponsor, while businesses and organizations across Las Cruces contributed additional support. Mary Henson, co-founder of the breakfast alongside legendary basketball coach Lou Henson, reflected on the event’s nearly two-decade run and the continued support from the community. 

“The great generosity of our community has allowed it to continue to be highly successful,†Henson said. “The funds raised from the breakfast for the past 18 years have been critical to serving kids daily and will continue to do so.â€Â Â Â 

Ashley Echavarria, chief executive officer of the Boys & Girls Club of Las Cruces, said the event represented far more than a fundraiser. 

“When I look around this room, I just think every single person made the choice to get up early this morning and show up for kids and for teens,†Echavarria said. “That means everything.â€Â Â Â 

Echavarria said the organization served more than 1,300 young people in 2025 through club membership and outreach programs across Las Cruces and Dona Ana County. She also spoke about the organization’s upcoming facility project and the importance of maintaining day-to-day services for children and teens. 

“The money raised in the room this morning doesn’t go toward anything new,†Echavarria said. “It goes toward keeping our doors open every single day.â€Â Â Â 

Throughout the morning, several youth members shared personal stories about the impact the club had on their lives. Brayden Gantzler, the organization’s 2026 Youth of the Year, described overcoming homelessness and struggles with trust while growing up. He credited the club’s staff and mentors with helping him find stability and purpose. 

“It would have been so easy for them to give up on me, but they never did,†Gantzler said.   

Owens spent much of his appearance discussing perseverance, discipline, and the importance of education. The former All-Pro wide receiver spoke about growing up in rural Alabama, being lightly recruited out of high school and eventually becoming one of the NFL’s most accomplished receivers. 

“I was very competitive,†Owens said. “I had a strong dissatisfaction just staying mediocre.â€Â Â Â 

Owens also encouraged students to stay involved in multiple activities and challenge themselves academically. 

“I played baseball. I ran track. I played football and I played basketball,†Owens said. “I would have never known that I would have been an NFL football player, let alone a Hall of Famer.â€Â Â Â 

As the breakfast concluded, organizers emphasized that the event’s mission remained rooted in investing in local youth and creating opportunities for future generations. 

“We never know exactly who we are investing in when we invest in a child,†Echavarria said. “But we know it matters.â€Â Â Â