Texans’ JJ Watt offers to cover funeral costs for Santa Fe victims
May 20, 2018, 1:43 PM
Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) warms up before an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Oct. 8, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
(AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
Houston Texans All-Pro defensive end J.J. Watt has offered to cover the costs of the funerals for the 10 victims of a high school shooting in Texas.
Shortly after news broke of a shooting at Santa Fe High School about 35 miles southeast of Houston, Watt reacted on his Twitter.
Absolutely horrific.
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) May 18, 2018
Eight students and two teachers were killed and 13 others were injured after a 17-year-old student at the school opened fire Friday morning.
The suspect surrendered to police and was taken into custody shortly after the shooting.
According to ESPN, the Texans confirmed Watt’s offer to school officials that he would cover all costs of the funerals.
The Texans also released a statement of support after the shooting.
On behalf of the Texans organization, we are saddened by the tragic events at Sante Fe High School this morning and extend our thoughts and heartfelt condolences to the victims, their families and all those affected. We are grateful for the brave first responders, law enforcement officials and medical personnel. The Texans family will continue to pray for our neighbors.
Watt has been an active member in the Houston community since he was drafted by the Texans in 2011.
Shortly after Hurricane Harvey hit the area in August, Watt raised more than $37 million for the city and residents who were displaced as a result of the flooding.
Watt was awarded the 2018 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award in February for his dedication to the Houston community.
