This past Friday marked another dark day in American history. A 17-year-old student walked into Sante Fe High School and murdered eight students and two teachers, injuring 13 additional people inside. Sadly, it appears the only solutions being offered by politicians is “thoughts and prayers”.
Many professional athletes who play in Houston, including Chris Paul, Carlos Correa and Eric Gordon tweeted their feelings following the news. Texans DE JJ Watt, this year’s recipient of the Walter Payton Man of the Year award, decided to step in and help his local community once again. After Hurricane Harvey hit, Watt was able to fundraise over $37 million for the victims.
For the victims of the Sante Fe shooting, he has offered to pay for the funerals of the victims. Watt did not publicly announce the gesture as he normally does not crave publicity for moments like this. A Texans’ team official called the gesture “very generous” to the New York Times. Watt has played in Houston since he came into the league in 2011 and has become an active leader in the community.
Thank you, @JJWatt for going above and beyond for the families of Santa Fe, Texas. I love you. https://t.co/y7qlg8Dsst
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) May 19, 2018
I'm not surprised JJ Watt's paying 4 the funerals 4 the victims of the shootings at Santa Fe High School. Ever since he got to Houston in 2011, Watt has been doing so many things in the community to help others,, including raising more than $37 million 4 Hurricane Harvey relief.
— John McClain (@McClain_on_NFL) May 19, 2018
We are thinking of all of the victims and their families as well as those still in the hospital. Thank you JJ Watt for being a fantastic role model for all of us.
