Veteran defensive end J.J. Watt has done just about everything in his NFL career, making five Pro Bowl appearances throughout his 11 years in the league. All that he has done on the field is certainly impressive, but some of his humanitarian work outside of football might be even more notable.
He played a huge role in the efforts to raise money for the city of Houston in the wake of Hurricane Harvey, helping to raise $41.6 million for the city including $100,000 of his own money that went towards the efforts. On top of this, he has been seen regularly making appearances with fans who have suffered injuries or raising money for various feel-good causes to help those in need.
Watt provided another heartwarming story on social media on Wednesday, when a woman posted on social media that she was attempting to sell some memorabilia of Watt’s to fund her grandfather’s funeral costs.
I have a pair of @JJWatt womens edition of Reebok shoes size 9 $60. I’ve worn them twice. They are great shoes, im only selling because we are raising money for my grandpas funeral. I also have a Watt womens XL Texans Jersey $30. Anyone interested? pic.twitter.com/USt90n221H
— Jennifer Simpson (@JSimpson2014) July 21, 2022
“I have a pair of J.J. Watt womens edition of Reebok shoes size 9 $60. I’ve worn them twice. They are great shoes, im only selling because we are raising money for my grandpas funeral. I also have a Watt womens XL Texans Jersey $30. Anyone interested?”
Watt then replied to the women’s post, telling her not to sell the items and that he would help with the cost of the funeral.
“Don’t sell your shoes and jersey, we’ll help with the funeral. I’m sorry for your loss.”
Don’t sell your shoes and jersey, we’ll help with the funeral.
I’m sorry for your loss.
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) July 21, 2022
This interaction between Watt and the fan has garnered a ton of reactions around the NFL world, with many praising Watt for his generosity, which has been a trend throughout his NFL career.
Class act from JJ 🙏🏼 https://t.co/Av0PalUDUJ
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) July 21, 2022
This is how you do it. Thank you #JJWatt https://t.co/XDLeZ19WEN
— Mark Davis (@MarkDavis) July 21, 2022
Sometimes…you see stuff on social media…that restores your faith in humanity…
There's a reason why he's a past winner of the "Walter Payton Man of the Year" award… https://t.co/PawvEwBKlv
— Dominic Chu (@TheDomino) July 21, 2022
Humanity still wins. This is awesome 👏👏👏 https://t.co/9DgXcHQgkX
— Brian Wacker (@brianwacker1) July 21, 2022
This is further proof that Watt is among the best people in all of the sports world, and that athletes can make a real difference in the world if they put their minds to it.
[JJ Watt]