While the media continues to harp on how NFL players behave during the playing of the National Anthem and President Donald Trump’s controversial tweets on the subject, members of the Houston Texans are—without fanfare—ministering to their community so devastated by Hurricane Harvey. While everyone knows about star defensive end J.J. Watt’s epic $40 million fundraising campaign, his teammate, rookie quarterback Deshaun Watson, just did something equally incredible for a few women who keep the him and his fellow footballers fed.
Watson decided to donate his very first NFL game check to three women who work in the cafeteria at NRG Stadium where the Texans play, whose homes were damaged by flooding brought on by the hurricane. The team released a video on Wednesday showing Watson presenting the very grateful ladies with the check.
“I’m excited to do a little surprise for the cafeteria ladies that have been helpful for all of us,” Watson said as he made his way to the cafeteria. “So it’s going to be cool.”
According to ESPN, the first-year QB, who has a base salary of $465,000, donated a check for $27,353. Watson’s remarkable act of kindness was also an instance of paying it forward, for he and his family were reportedly once the beneficiaries of a Habitat for Humanity house.
“What you all do for us everyday and never complain, I really appreciate you all. So I wanted to give my first check to you all to help you all out in some type of way,” he told the tearful women. “Hopefully, that’s good and that can get you back on your feet. And anything else y’all need, I’m always here to help.”
(H/T: ESPN)