Watch: George W. Bush gives pep talk to football players from Houston

Former President George W. Bush visited a Southern Methodist University football practice on Tuesday to comfort players from the Houston area in the wake of Tropical Storm Harvey.

"The days are dark now, but they're going to get better."

Thank you for your encouragement today, Mr. President! #HopeForHouston pic.twitter.com/CS4WVW48GB

— #PonyUpTempo (@SMU_Football) August 30, 2017

According to Yahoo News, Bush typically visits football practice at Southern Methodist University in Dallas each year. The Southern Methodist University football team posted a video of Bush addressing the team during his most recent visit about the historic flooding in Houston.

"I know there’s some people from Houston here, and the Houston area, and I know you’re going through a really tough time," Bush told the team. "And just know that there will be a lot of people that are going to help you, help the people down there, a lot."

Bush said that the first goal in the wake of the storm is recovery and “to keep people safe.”

“Then it’s going to be rebuilding and if you’re from that area, you’ll be amazed at the people who come down there to help,” Bush said. “All kinds of people."

“And so, the days are dark now but they’re going to get better," he concluded.

Thank you President Bush for coming to practice today to offer support to our players from the Houston area!@TheBushCenter pic.twitter.com/7lQRfWGrjQ

— #PonyUpTempo (@SMU_Football) August 29, 2017

According to the Houston Chronicle, at least 18 people have been killed by Harvey and its aftermath, and 13,000 victims of the storm have been rescued in the Houston and the surrounding areas.