The city of Houston has been decimated in the past week by the effects of Hurricane Harvey.
Much of the city is under water, as residents are trying to come to terms with the devastation caused in recent days. Many wont be able to return to their homes before the news year as recovery work begins.
Although not even from the city, JJ Watt is probably the Houston's most favourite son. The NFL star was out of the city with his teammates when the storm hit, but on Sunday he set up a fundraising page to help with recovery efforts.
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
One of the most popular players in the league, fans donated in their droves with over $200,000 raised in the opening two hours. Since then, the donations have kept coming, with the Irish rugby fan constantly increasing the goal to originally $500,000 and then into the millions.
Since then, the first million dollars was raised within a day-and-a-half, and the donations have kept coming. On Thursday afternoon, the $10,000,000 barrier was broken.
Among those to donate to Watt's fund was the Tennessee Titans. Television presenter Ellen DeGeneres also revealed on Thursday that another $1million was donated to Watt's fund.
Titans Owner Amy Adams Strunk makes million dollar donation to @JJWatt's Houston Flood Relief Fund #HoustonStrong
{https://t.co/XsZjKZQzci} pic.twitter.com/JLcHGbQowI— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) August 29, 2017
I ❤️ @JJWatt. I ❤️ Texas. And thank you so much @Walmart. pic.twitter.com/8aZqkiGyPN
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) August 31, 2017
The NRG Center, across the road from the Texans stadium is being used to shelter those in need, in a similar way to how the Superdome was used in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.
Watt's generosity is a testament to the power of sporting celebrity in America. The $10million already raised is expected to rise even further in the coming days.
