Waukesha’s Own Hometown Boy JJ Watt Performs Incredible Gesture After Christmas Parade Tragedy

JJ Watt along with brothers TJ Watt and Derek Watt recently took to social media to speak about the horrifying incident of a red SUV mowing down people at the Waukesha Christmas Parade in Wisconsin (their hometown), reportedly killing six people and injuring dozens of others.

The Cardinals’ defensive end was deeply distressed at hearing about the horrifying incident. “Just now seeing what happened at the holiday parade back home in Waukesha tonight. Horrific images,” his tweet read. “Truly hoping everyone is going to be ok and those not involved are now safe. Thankful to everyone who rushed to action and helped the wounded.”

Arizona Cardinals player supporting his people back home

Six people are reported to be dead, including a child who was added to the list of deceased later on. JJ Watt intends to offer his side of support to the families traumatized with bad news and help people back home. According to a Wisconsin resident, Cory Jennerjohn, the defensive end will cover the funeral costs for those who lost their lives during the parade.

The tweet by Jennerjohn said, “J. J. Watt is covering the funeral costs for everyone that lost their life in the Waukesha Christmas Parade. That is an amazing gesture. He has such a huge heart.” 

JJ Watt the face of a philanthropic NFL

However, JJ Watt is not a stranger to philanthropy. The five-time Pro Bowler raised $37 million when Hurricane Harvey hit Houston, for which he earned a nomination (and later won) for Walter Payton Man of the Year from his then team Houston Texans.

According to a report by Sports Illustrated in 2019, the $37 million relief contributed by Watt helped build over 1,100 homes in Houston. JJ Watt has certainly been a face of the philanthropic NFL and how elite athletes, just like him, contribute to greater humanitarian causes.

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