It’s no secret that future Hall of Famer and current CBS NFL Today panelist J.J. Watt has been deeply involved in charitable work throughout his career. His most famous accomplishment in this area was raising over $40 million for Hurricane Harvey relief through the J.J. Watt Foundation, a monumental effort that garnered widespread recognition.
However, Watt’s latest act of kindness was much quieter and flew under the radar until it came to light in a heartwarming and humorous fashion.
The story began when a Twitter user from Malton, England, known as @thehullboy1, shared his plans to run a marathon to raise money for mental health awareness. To help fundraise, he set up a GoFundMe page and spread the word on social media. While his campaign attracted local attention, something extraordinary happened when J.J. Watt learned about his cause.
Watt, always one to support a good cause, decided to make a donation—but he did it in a low-key way. Instead of using his well-known initials, Watt donated £5,000 (approximately $6,578) under the name Justin Watt, his full first name being Justin James Watt. At the time, @thehullboy1 had no idea who this generous “Justin” was, and he was blown away by the unexpected and substantial donation.
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The British runner took to Twitter to express his gratitude and curiosity, writing, “A person called Justin just donated £5,000.” The innocence of the tweet struck a chord with many, as people began replying, hinting at the fact that this “Justin” might actually be the J.J. Watt, whom many in the U.K. now recognize as part-owner of Burnley F.C. rather than the NFL legend he is known as in the U.S.
Once the replies started rolling in, @thehullboy1 began to piece together the truth. His reaction was priceless when he realized that the donation came from none other than the J.J. Watt. “Wait…J.J. Watt?? THAT J.J. Watt?!” he tweeted in disbelief.
Watt, in his typical humble fashion, responded to the tweet with a lighthearted reply, confirming the donation with a simple acknowledgment, showcasing his down-to-earth nature. But the exchange didn’t stop there.
In a twist that only sports fans could appreciate, @thehullboy1, despite his gratitude, playfully added that his newfound respect for Watt still wouldn’t sway his allegiance to Burnley F.C., the soccer team that Watt co-owns. “Thanks for the donation, but I’m still not rooting for Burnley,” he joked.
The entire interaction encapsulated the warmth and humor that often surrounds Watt’s charitable efforts. It wasn’t just about the financial support for a worthy cause but also about the connection and joy it sparked between fans from different corners of the world.
Watt’s quiet generosity and the subsequent discovery by a marathon runner halfway across the globe demonstrate the wide-reaching impact the former NFL star continues to have, even after stepping away from the game. His legacy, not just as an incredible athlete but as a compassionate and giving individual, grows with each act of kindness, whether it’s a massive relief effort or a stealthy donation to support mental health awareness.
This latest moment serves as another reminder of the lasting impression Watt leaves on people, not just for his achievements on the field, but for his genuine care and generosity off of it.
