Teacher and Houston Texans fan Jennifer Simpson (@jsimpson2014) listed two items for sale (a J.J. Watt women’s jersey and a pair of Reebok J.J. Watt women’s edition shoes) in order to help pay funeral costs for her grandfather — but instead of making an offer on the items, Watt himself stepped up in a big way.
Watt, who was a first-round draft pick for the Texans in 2011 and is currently a defensive end with the Arizona Cardinals, responded to Simpson’s sales notice and offered to help with the funeral costs, telling her there was no need for her to sell her shoes and jersey.
“I have a pair of @JJWatt womens edition of Reebok shoes size 9 $60. I’ve worn them twice,” Simpson tweeted, along with a photo of the shoes. “They are great shoes, I’m only selling because we are raising money for my grandpa’s funeral. I also have a Watt womens XL Texans Jersey $30. Anyone interested?”
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
Within 20 minutes, Watt himself had replied to Simpson’s plea, offering to help defray the costs of the funeral so that she did not have to part with her gear.
“Don’t sell your shoes and jersey, we’ll help with the funeral,” Watt tweeted. “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
Dick’s Sporting Goods responded to Watt’s offer, saying simply, “What. A. Guy.”
“Is there a go fund me? @RodneyPeete9 and I want to contribute too,” actress Holly Robinson Pete added.
Milwaukee sports anchor Lance Allan tweeted, “Incredible gesture by the pride of Pewaukee. We’ve come to expect this from @JJWatt but we should talk about doing the right thing more often.”
“I can’t tell you guys how proud I am that this guy is part of the @walterpayton @NFL Man of the Year Award family. JJ has a huge heart,” Jarrett Payton added.
Watt has stepped up in similar fashion in the past, starting a fundraiser for victims impacted by Hurricane Harvey that ultimately raised over $37 million. He then joined volunteers on the ground, helping to collect and distribute donations himself.
10 semi trucks.
4 locations.
Countless incredible volunteers.
Just the beginning. pic.twitter.com/xmN40M4hFA— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) September 4, 2017
Watt, who attended high school in Wisconsin, also reportedly covered funeral costs for the victims of the Waukesha Christmas parade tragedy.
“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,” Watt tweeted at the time.