Not many professional athletes accumulate accomplishments off the field that supersede their achievements on it. Especially if they play at a Hall of Fame caliber. Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt did just that and is just that by raising a little over $37 million for Hurricane Harvey relief in the Houston area.
Watt announced more specific plans for the money via Twitter.
Excited to share an update on Hurricane Harvey relief efforts.#HoustonStrong
(Video cut off the end. Go Astros!) pic.twitter.com/PvDRVi0SGR— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) October 26, 2017
In his statement, Watt said the following:
While we are going to do some truly incredible things with this $37 million to make it stretch as far as possible, it is only one small step in the massive recovery effort that lies ahead. I encourage you to please continue to find organizations to donate to, whether they be some of the ones listed below or others. Houston will bounce back from this and we will rise up stronger than ever.
J.J. Watt’s personal foundation – the Justin J. Watt Foundation – decided to hang on to about $7 million so that it may be allocated to resources later on as the Houston community repairs and rebuilds. Of the remaining $31.5 million, the beneficiaries will include AmeriCares, Feeding America, SBP, and Save the Children.
As for Watt’s team, the Texans continue to play on without their star on defense, who fractured the tibial plateau in his left leg during a game in early October. While Houston is still alive in the playoff hunt at 3-3 (and a game out of first place in the AFC South), Watt is unfortunately expected to remain out for the rest of the season.
Watt has 76 career sacks for the Texans since being drafted out of Wisconsin with the 11th pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. The defensive end has been named to four Pro Bowls, named First Team All-Pro four times, and selected as the AP’s NFL Defensive Player of the Year three seasons.
