Adrian Peterson has called the city of Houston home for the past decade. His mother lives there, and about half his family decided to ride out Hurricane Harvey. So the catastrophic flooding hits home in a big way for the New Orleans Saints running back.
After watching flood waters rise up across the street from her house, which has not yet been damaged, Peterson’s mother is leaving for East Texas until the storm. Peterson also owns a gym in Houston, which also has not been damaged. He’s talking to the staff there about doing everything they can to help those in need, including opening up the gym for anyone seeking shelter.
On that note, Peterson urges everyone who can help to do it.
“It’s very unfortunate. It’s been tough for me, just being here and having family there. Just concerned and just praying, that’s what we’ve been doing here,” said Peterson, per ESPN’s Mike Triplett. “I would just urge everyone who can help, every little bit matters. And everyone that’s out risking their life to bravely rescue people, we’re sending all our players and just wishing the best.
“Hoping things slow up, the rain slows up and this thing washes away so we can start the recovery process.”
Many are out there making a difference, saving lives. Others are making contributions of a financial nature. Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt has helped to raise millions of dollars, and Houston Rockets owner Leslie Alexander has donated $10 million towards the relief efforts.
So much more is needed, however. The damage that has already been done due to flooding is almost biblical in nature, and the storm isn’t finished dumping rain onto the inundated region.