Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt received an award on Tuesday for his fundraising efforts after Hurricane Harvey rocked Houston and the surrounding areas.
Naturally, the Texans PR Twitter page proudly recognized Watt’s accomplishment.
Today in Monaco, #Texans DE @JJWatt was awarded the Laureus Sporting Inspiration Award for his fundraising efforts following Hurricane Harvey.
The @LaureusSport Awards honor the greatest sportsmen and sportswomen across all sports each year. pic.twitter.com/sRnv2yEzvB
— Houston Texans PR (@TexansPR) February 27, 2018
Things took a bit of a contentious turn afterwards.
While acknowledging Watt as a “great man,” an adult cake maker in Houston noted that neither she or anyone she’s in contact with has seen any benefits of the relief project.
But do we know where any of money went because I can't find one person they got any help from the JJ Watt foundation for Hurricane Harvey and I know JJ's a great man.
— Adult Cakes By Kim (@kimsbow) February 27, 2018
Watt’s response to her was matter of fact, but respectful.
There are 2.3 million people in Houston alone, Kim. I apologize that we aren’t able to reach every single person, it’s simply not possible. We’ve rebuilt homes & day cares, provided food & medical care and our work is far from finished! I promise we’re doing the best we can!!! https://t.co/X0Uj8chCRu
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) February 28, 2018
Shortly thereafter, though, the NFL superstar went a little harder with an apparent subtweet.
Post about the work you do:
quit bragging!!Don’t post about the work you do:
you’re not doing enough!!Build a life you are proud of and enjoy every second of it you can. Life’s too short to let negativity bring you down!!! #PositiveVibes
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) February 28, 2018
It certainly was quite the detour.
Obviously, in a city Houston’s size, not everyone is going to see immediate dividends. Watt even acknowledged that as great as his fundraising efforts were, they were only a drop in the bucket for what Houston needs.
With that said, Watt has consistently shared exactly where the raised money is going. And we have seen people move back into their homes due to the efforts of Watt and his relief fund.