J.J. Watt announced he intends to help pay for a funeral after a woman took to social media to sell a pair of shoes and jersey in order to raise money for her grandpa’s funeral.
Sgt. Xavier Vargas, chaplain assistant for 3rd Battalion, 41st Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division, and a native of Bronx, N.Y., poses with J.J. Watt, Houston Texans defensive end, at Forward Operating Base Pasab, Kandahar Province, Afghanistan, March 18. Six NFL players came to Afghanistan on a USO tour for the troops. Photo Credit: Sgt. Kristen Duus, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Jennifer Simpson posted to Twitter, “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.”
She added, “I also have a Watt womens XL Texans Jersey $30. Anyone interested?”
Jennifer Simpson Twitter
Watt replied, “Don’t sell your shoes and jersey, we’ll help with the funeral.”
“I’m sorry for your loss,” he added.
J.J. Watt Twitter
Watt is no stranger to charitable work after the heinous attack on the Waukesha Christmas Parade, it was reported by local media that he would be covering the funeral costs for the victims who lost their lives.
Covering Wisconsin’s Cory Jennerjohn reported, “J.J. Watt is covering the funeral costs for everyone that lost their life in the Waukesha Christmas Parade. That is an amazing gesture. He has such a huge heart.”
Cory Jennerjohn Twitter
Watt previously reacted to the attack writing on Twitter, “Just now seeing what happened at the holiday parade back home in Waukesha tonight. Horrific images. Truly hoping everyone is going to be ok and those not involved are now safe.”
“Thankful to everyone who rushed to action and helped the wounded,” he concluded.
J.J. Watt Twitter
In 2018, it was also reported that Watt offered to pay for the funeral costs of the victims of the Santa Fe High School shooting.
John McClain tweeted, “JJ Watt has told Santa Fe High School that he’ll pay for the funerals for the victims of today;s shooting.”
John McClain Twitter
Watt also helped raise over $37 million for victims of Hurricane Harvey that devastated Houston and the surrounding area in southeast Texas.
He also runs the J.J. Watt Foundation whose mission “is to provide after-school opportunities for middle-school aged children in the community to become involved in athletics, so that they may learn the character traits of accountability, teamwork, leadership, work ethic, and perseverance, while in a safe and supervised environment with their peers.”
The Foundation’s website notes it “has provided funding in excess of $5,000,000 to 6th – 8th grade after school athletic programs and organizations.”
Davin Joseph and Justin James “J.J.” Watt visits troops at the Warrior Recovery Center in Regional Command-South, Afghanistan, March 18, 2013. Photo Credit: Sgt. Ashley Bell, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
What do you make of Watt paying for the funeral costs of Jennifer Simpson’s grandpa?