Professional athletes have taken it upon themselves to help the victims of Hurricane Harvey. Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt started a fund that surpassed its original goal of $500K, thanks to the donations of new Houston Rocket Chris Paul and Watt. The goal was pushed to $1.5M as of late Monday night. So many visitors came to Watt’s page to donate, it even crashed.
“It’s a little over 9 p.m. here in Dallas, we’re still stuck here,” Watt said in a Twitter video. “Obviously roads are too flooded, airports are closed, there’s no way for us to get back, but we’re watching on TV and seeing all of the police and firemen and the everyday citizens out there in their boats helping to rescue people, helping to save lives, it’s incredible to watch. To give you an update, we just passed the $1 million mark, which is phenomenal. [Five dollars] here, $10 there, [there are] just donations from all over.”
Paul was with the New Orleans Hornets during the 2005-06 when Hurricane Katrina hit. Kenny Smith and the NBA threw a charity game of some of the league’s biggest stars to raise money for the New Orleans victims in Houston, which included Paul. The Hornets played in Oklahoma City that season.
Olympian gold medalist swimmer Simone Manuel is a Houston native and has live-tweeted updates of the Hurrican from her perspective at home.
I have no words. This isn't even the worst. Many prayers to my hometown, the city of Houston, and all of Texas. pic.twitter.com/TRXpha0m0i
— Simone Manuel (@swimone) August 28, 2017
Now my dad kicking away frogs that are trying to get in the house. Trying to find some laughter in a lot of this sadness I see around me. 😔
— Simone Manuel (@swimone) August 28, 2017
My mom said if we have to leave she's grabbing all her lululemom clothes because they're too expensive. 😂😔
— Simone Manuel (@swimone) August 28, 2017
Holding back tears. So much sadness all around.
— Simone Manuel (@swimone) August 29, 2017
Keeping faith in the face of adversity. 🙏🏾🙌🏾
— Simone Manuel (@swimone) August 29, 2017
Former Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard tweeted a link to the top charities to donate to as well his thoughts.
My Thoughts & Prayers 🙏🏾 🙏🏾 For My Houston Fans and All Those Affected By #HurricaneHarvery – #PrayersforTexas #12isBack #NBACares pic.twitter.com/yAwabs0Wz5
— Dwight Howard (@DwightHoward) August 27, 2017
Current Rocket James Harden also asked for people’s prayers as well.
Please send your love and prayers to the people in Texas. 🙏🏾 #PrayforTexas pic.twitter.com/qjZsiZa2jO
— James Harden (@JHarden13) August 27, 2017
LSU’s football season-opener has been relocated to the New Orleans Mercedes-Benz Superdome and the Texans preseason game against the Cowboys has been relocated to Dallas. Texans rookie quarterback Deshaun Watson tweeted out another way victims could be helped.
Join the NFL and help those affected by Hurricane Harvey. Text HARVEY to 90999 to donate $10 to American Red Cross Hurricane Harvey relief.
— Deshaun Watson (@deshaunwatson) August 28, 2017
Texans head coach Bill O’Brien said that the team is dedicating this season to the city of Houston.
