Martellus Bennett Brings Joy to Houston Families with 'Hey A.J!' Series
A decade after leading the Texans to a Super Bowl win in Houston, Martellus Bennett is once again bringing excitement to his hometown as the executive producer and voice actor behind Disney Jr.'s new animated series "Hey A.J!""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 said during a special screening at the historic River Oaks Theatre.
The show follows the real-life relationship Bennett has with his daughter Austyn Jett, or A.J., inspired by the books he wrote of the same name. The series, which also lent its voice to Bennett as the dad Marty, brings to life the everyday adventures and heartwarming moments between a father and daughter.
At the screening, families from diverse backgrounds including CoolxDad, Mocha Moms, Inc., Jack and Jill of America, Inc., and Boys & Girls Club, were in attendance to catch the first-ever episode of "Hey A.J!". Bennett's brother Michael, who also played in the NFL, attended as did their parents. His wife Siggy, depicted in the show, was also part of the festivities.
"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."
For Bennett, the goal was to share the magic of his daughter's stories with families across the city. He hopes that viewers will be inspired to play and engage in activities with their children.
"I feel like A.J. tapped into that grounded diversity that we all know and love and that we just really need," Amari McCoy, who voices A.J., said. "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."
The first seven episodes of "Hey A.J!" are streaming now on Disney+, with more episodes set to debut later this year. For Bennett, this series marks a creative Super Bowl in his hometown, bringing joy to families across Houston.
A decade after leading the Texans to a Super Bowl win in Houston, Martellus Bennett is once again bringing excitement to his hometown as the executive producer and voice actor behind Disney Jr.'s new animated series "Hey A.J!""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 said during a special screening at the historic River Oaks Theatre.
The show follows the real-life relationship Bennett has with his daughter Austyn Jett, or A.J., inspired by the books he wrote of the same name. The series, which also lent its voice to Bennett as the dad Marty, brings to life the everyday adventures and heartwarming moments between a father and daughter.
At the screening, families from diverse backgrounds including CoolxDad, Mocha Moms, Inc., Jack and Jill of America, Inc., and Boys & Girls Club, were in attendance to catch the first-ever episode of "Hey A.J!". Bennett's brother Michael, who also played in the NFL, attended as did their parents. His wife Siggy, depicted in the show, was also part of the festivities.
"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."
For Bennett, the goal was to share the magic of his daughter's stories with families across the city. He hopes that viewers will be inspired to play and engage in activities with their children.
"I feel like A.J. tapped into that grounded diversity that we all know and love and that we just really need," Amari McCoy, who voices A.J., said. "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."
The first seven episodes of "Hey A.J!" are streaming now on Disney+, with more episodes set to debut later this year. For Bennett, this series marks a creative Super Bowl in his hometown, bringing joy to families across Houston.