This past weekend, the fourth-largest city in the United States, the city that our beloved football team calls home, fell victim to Hurricane Harvey. The torrential downpour caused by Harvey has caused tragic flooding throughout the city of Houston. While the city endures this disaster, the football team that calls it home looks to help in any way they can. The Houston Texans dedicate the 2017 season to their city.
Houston Texans Dedicate 2017 Season to Their City
It’s only been 12 years since we all watched the city of New Orleans be destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. It’s hard not to think of those moments as we watch an identical situation occur in Houston. Now, obviously, the Houston Texans are probably the last thing on the minds of those suffering through this disaster. If you take a look at the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, you can see just how a city’s football time can help bring them back together.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the New Orleans Saints were in the process of rebuilding, much like the city. Players like Drew Brees, Reggie Bush, Jonathan Vilma, and so many more dedicated their time and money. From donating to the American Red Cross to starting up foundations, this team became sort of a beacon of hope. The Saints played their hearts out for their city and eventually brought the fans home a Lombardi trophy in 2010.
Different City, Same Heart
At the time of writing, there is no news of any damage to NRG Stadium. That appears to be the only major difference between Houston with Hurricane Harvey and New Orleans with Hurricane Katrina. Ironically, the Texans were in New Orleans for a preseason matchup with the Saints when Hurricane Harvey landed.
Recovery efforts from Hurricane Harvey will be massive.
We must come together to help rebuild our communities.https://t.co/SR6DmnNbyM pic.twitter.com/iiMsG2i4dl— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) August 27, 2017
Almost immediately, J.J. Watt took to Twitter to address the situation and to announce a fundraiser, started with 100 thousand dollars of his own money. In less than two hours, the fundraiser raised the initial goal of 200 thousand dollars. Watt raised the goal to 500 thousand dollars and that goal was met less than 24 hours later. Chris Paul, who was recently traded to the Houston Rockets, generously donated 50 thousand dollars and the fundraiser has raised over one million dollars so far.
Along with the money being raised by Watt, Bob McNair, Owner of the Texans, has donated one million dollars to the United Way of Greater Houston’s flood relief fund. In response to McNair’s donation, Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots, will also be donating one million dollars to the American Red Cross. The NFL Foundation is also going to match McNair and Kraft’s donation of one million dollars.
The generous donations are going to help tremendously. The Texans are hoping they can help in other ways as well. Head coach Bill O’Brien and the rest of the Texans are dedicating this season to the city and the people of Houston. There’s no way they can promise a thirteen win season. There’s no way they can promise a Super Bowl appearance or victory. They can, and have, promised to give everything they have every time they take the field. Expect to see an energized team this season for you, the fans.
Donation Links
J.J. Watt’s YouCaring Fundraiser
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