Jan 22, 2020; Kissimmiee, Florida, USA; Houston Texans quarterback DeShaun Watson (4) and tackle Laremy Tunsil (78) pose during AFC practice at ESPN Wide World of Sports. Mandatory Credit: Jan 22, 2020; Kissimmiee, Florida, USA; Houston Texans quarterback DeShaun Watson (4) and tackle Laremy Tunsil (78) pose during AFC practice at ESPN Wide World of Sports. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to sweep across the country, more professional athletes are stepping up to help provide support for those in need. On Monday, Houston Texans offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil pledged $250,000 towards COVID-19 relief efforts with a unique donation.
Tunsil announced that he is setting up an email, laremycares@gmail.com, for people to send pictures of bills they are struggling to afford right now during the ongoing crisis. At a time when many across the country are sick or losing their job, Tunsil is offering to help cover bills for countless people.
The 25-year-old will then have his team sort through the emails, finding ways to help as many people as possible. He set aside $250,000, which will be put towards covering expenses for those struggling and will also go to the Florida Gateway Food Bank and the Star of Hope Mission in Houston.
Tunsil joins a growing list of the NFL community that has donated more than $35 million towards COVID-19 relief efforts. Among them, New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees pledged $5 million to help Louisiana during the crisis.
Houston is receiving incredible support from some of its top stars. Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa announced he will donate more than $500,000 in medical supplies to area hospitals during the crisis.
According to Johns Hopkins University, there are now more than 150,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the United States.