J.J. Watt went above and beyond when it came to raising money for Houston’s recovery following Hurricane Harvey, with his crowdfunded drive raising over $31 million to assist with relief efforts. On Sunday he took to the field and got the reception he deserved.
J.J. Watt got a hero’s welcome in Houston after raising $31 million (and counting) for relief efforts
This was a great moment.
James Dator has been covering a wide range of sports for SB Nation for over a decade, with a special focus on the NFL.
Watt ran onto the field with the Texas state flag and a message to the people of Houston to stay strong during an impossibly difficult time. It was announced early on Sunday that the Texans had been permitted to wear a helmet patch showing support for the 2017 season, and Watt took advantage of the league’s new rules on cleats to continue sending his message.
Watt has become an inspiration to so many. His immediate and notable push to raise funds helped start a groundswell of support around the NFL with numerous players donating their time or money to help rebuild Houston. The NFL held a moment of silence for the victims of Hurricane Harvey before games on Sunday, and the league ran a series of ads highlighting the work players were doing to help.
There are countless people doing amazing things in the wake of the tragedy. Communities coming together, and brave heroes taking to flooded streets in the wake of the storm to rescue people in need. They won’t get the spotlight they deserve, but Watt’s movement helped bring light to the amazing work being done.
J.J.’s grandma was so proud she wore his jersey to church on Sunday morning.
