Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt made an appearance on CNN’s “Anderson Cooper 360” on Thursday night to discuss his Houston relief fund that has amassed over $13 million since Sunday.
While Watt said it’s devastating to see the Houston area flooded and so many people in need, it’s also inspiring to see people from all over the country give time and money to help Houston get back on its feet.
"I want Houston to know, I'm here for the long haul,” Watt said. “I'm not just here for the initial fundraiser I'm here to make sure we take care of you down the road."
This weekend, Watt and the Texans will begin phase one of the relief effort by loading have semi trucks with supplies like food, water and clothes that they’ll deliver to people in need. Watt said he and his team will regroup after the first round of supplies are delivered to determine the best next steps.
Watt said he’s spoken with New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees and many other affected by Hurricane Katrina in 2005 to assure he’s using the funds in the most effective way.
"I'm going to make sure I get with the people that (helped during) Katrina and learned from Katrina so I can make sure I do it right because these people trust me with their money and I want to make sure I don't do it hastily,” Watt said. “I want to do it exactly the right way so I can help the most people possible."
Since Watt started his YouCaring page on Sunday with the initial goal of $200,000, over 130,000 people have donated $13.6 million dollars as of Friday morning.
To contribute to Watt's YouCaring page, visit YouCaring.com/JJWatt.
