Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson is looking out for those on the front lines fighting the COVID-19 pandemic in his hometown of Gainesille, Fla.
As reported by Nathan Berg of the Gainesville Times, Watson is making a big impact to help a local diner, Longstreet Cafe, while also providing desperately needed meals for first responders and emergency room workers in the community.
The young quarterback paid to have the diner provide lunches to local police, fire departments and emergency room workers during this stressful, and hectic time.
“Watson provided the funds for the meals, and Longstreet prepared food and shipped it out to where it was needed. The lunches will keep coming through Friday of this week, according to Longstreet Cafe owner Tim Bunch.”
Per The Times, Watson came up with the idea after conferring with a local pastor about how to best help the Gainesville community. It’s making a big difference.
“It’s made a huge impact, especially coming from someone of Deshaun’s magnitude,” Gainesville Police spokesperson Sgt. Kevin Holbrook said. “To know that he still thinks about us and he cares about his hometown, it really means a lot to us.”
Watson joins a long list of professional athletes who have provided help for their communities during the coronavirus pandemic. It’s heartening to see so much generosity during this tumultuous time.