Watt to grieving fan: 'We’ll help with the funeral'

Though he now suits up for the Arizona Cardinals, J.J. Watt still has a soft spot for the people of Houston, as shown by his recent heartwarming gesture for a fan in need.

According to Houston CBS affiliate KHOU, a Houston Texans fan identified as Jennifer Simpson sent a tweet saying she was going to sell her Watt gear to help pay for her grandfather’s funeral.

“I have a pair of J.J. Watt women’s edition of Reebok shoes size 9 [for] $60,” Simpson tweeted. “I’ve worn them twice. They are great shoes, [I’m] only selling because we are raising money for my grandpa’s funeral. I also have a Watt women’s XL Texans Jersey [for] $30. Anyone interested?”

The tweet, which was retweeted (RT) 176 times and quote tweeted 24 times, caught the attention of the 32-year-old Watt, whom the Texans took in the first round of the 2011 National Football League (NFL) Draft.

His was one of the quote tweets.

“Don’t sell your shoes and jersey, we’ll help with the funeral,” Watt’s tweet said. “I’m sorry for your loss.”

According to KHOU, it took 20 minutes for Walter Payton Man of the Year awardee to see and respond to the tweet.

"I freaking love you man,” a touched and surprised Simpson tweeted back. “It's been a hard year for me and this last month has been hard since the death. I wish I could tell you my story."

Houston NBC affiliate KPRC reported that comedian Loni Love, who graduated from Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU), offered her assistance in a tweet as well.

The Wisconsin-born Watt anchored the Texans defense from 2011 to 2020.

He’s a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year and a five-time Pro Bowler.

Watt and his wife, professional soccer player Kealia Ohai, are expecting their first child.