VP, Communications, Houston Texans NFL Team 
Tony Wyllie cradled the dream of a front-office position with a major sports team like it was a newborn baby, even as he matriculated through Texas Southern University as a journalism student. He nurtured that dream until the city of Houston received a replacement franchise for the team that migrated to Nashville, Tenn.
That [journalism] was my fallback plan. My goal was always to work in the front office of a major league sports franchise,” says Wyllie, vice president of communications for the Houston Texans NFL team that replaced the beloved Oilers. “I fulfilled my dream. God blessed me and I fulfilled my number one goal.”
Another dream for the Northwest Houston native is the opportunity to help the Houston Texans augment the Third Ward of the city with a YMCA, the first time ever that a sports franchise has partnered with the YMCA in such a way. “My wife and I are moving to the Third Ward community so [we] are very excited about this Texans YMCA,” he says.
“This feels great. From now on, the building is going to be named after the football team which is located 10 minutes from Reliant Stadium. Kids … even if they don’t go to the football game, will be able to support their team, and we’ll be able to support the community … I mean you have to give back to the city that supports you.”
Basley says today’s flailing economic landscape won’t deter him or keep his company from being a success. “There are going to be good days, there are going to be bad days,” he says. “As an entrepreneur the quicker you understand that and you prepare for [those days], then the longer you’ll stay in business.”
According to the Houston Texans executive, books to read include, Why Should White Guys Have All the Fun by Reginald Lewis:
“Here’s someone who looks like me who was able to achieve what he did. I mean, he’s a billionaire and this is just his story and how he worked hard to achieve what he did.”
