The Houston Texans exhibition game against the Dallas Cowboys has been canceled, the teams announced on Wednesday afternoon.
The game was scheduled for Thursday at 8 p.m. at AT&T Stadium in Dallas.
The Texans released a statement on Wednesday afternoon that explained the decision to cancel the game was due to the Texans' desire to return to Houston.
"At this time, the priority of our organization is getting our players, coaches and staff back home to be reunited with their families, many of whom have been evacuated from their homes and are currently sheltered. The Team feels it is imperitive to get back home to help the Houston community recover from the devastation of Hurricane Harvey."
The statement also said authorities found a safe route for the team to travel home on Wednesday.
The Texans have been in Dallas practicing at the Cowboys' practice facility since late last week.
Early Wednesday morning, it was reported 40,000 tickets were sold for the game, which was originally scheduled to be played in Houston.
Fans who purchased tickets can either have their money refunded or donate the funds to Hurricane Harvey relief efforts.
Texans owner Robert McNair and family Janice, Cal and Hannah pledged to make a donation to relief efforts that equaled the money that would have been made from ticket sales for Thursday's game.
The Texans and McNair announced they donated $1 million to the United Way of Greater Houston's flood relief fund on Tuesday.
After the announcement, fans reacted to the decision to cancel the game:
