Houston Texans defensive end JJ Watt is approaching the Hurricane Harvey relief efforts with the same tenacity and passion that he attacks the opposing quarterback each and every day. Watt initially took to social media with a goal of raising $200,000 on YouCaring.com, but that total was reached and surpassed within the first 24 hours.
Throughout the week JJ has continued to challenge his followers to donate, providing constant video updates on social media showing how much money has been raised to help victims of the devastating flooding that ripped through Houston and Southeastern Texas.
On Monday, he bumped the goal up to $1 million and that was quickly met. By the time Tuesday night came around, JJ issued a new challenge of $5 million. After his Houston Flood Relief Fund eclipsed $6 million, he raised the goal to $10 million. That too, has now been surpassed.
Last night, Ellen DeGeneres pledged $1 million (on top of the $50,000 she previously donated) and Miley Cyrus pitched in $500,000 of her own which contributed to the grand total going over $10 million, and counting.
Watt's relentless efforts to help victims of Hurricane Harvey have inspired others teams across the NFL to pledge large donations as well. For instance, Tennessee Titans owner, Amy Adam Strunk, made a million dollar donation to JJ Watt's Houston flood relief flood. Additionally, the Houston Texans, New York Jets and New England Patriots have all vowed to donate one million dollars each to Hurricane Harvey relief efforts, according to NFL.com.
And JJ Watt isn't the only athlete/celebrity that is using his massive social media following to inspire others to donate whatever they can. Kevin Hart, who donated $50,000 himself, recently challenged his celebrity friends to follow his lead and T.I., Chris Brown, Nicki Minaj, The Rock, DJ Khaled and others have responded. As of now, Hart's fundraising campaign is on the verge of eclipsing $1.25 million.
Additionally, Houston Rockets owner, Leslie Alexander, has donated $10 million, Sandra Bullock pledged $1 million of her own money and the Kardashians have also donated $500,000 to Hurricane Harvey relief efforts.
If you'd like to make a contribution to JJ Watt's Houston Flood Relief Fund you can do so right here.
