The family of Jerry Roderick Sr. has spent the last month trying to raise money for his funeral expenses.
Now, thanks to some unexpected support from a well-known former Houston resident, Roderick might soon be laid to rest.
On July 20, Jennifer Simpson, a Teacher and Houston Texans fan shared a sad post, offering to sell two of her beloved J.J. Watt items to help pay for her grandfather’s funeral.
Here’s what Simpson tweeted:
“I have a pair of @JJWatt women’s edition of Reebok shoes size 9 $60. I’ve worn them twice. They are great shoes. I’m only selling because we are raising money for my grandpa’s funeral. I also have a Watt women’s XL Texans Jersey $30. Anyone interested?”
I have a pair of @JJWatt womens edition of Reebok shoes size 9 $60. I’ve worn them twice. They are great shoes, im only selling because we are raising money for my grandpas funeral. I also have a Watt womens XL Texans Jersey $30. Anyone interested? pic.twitter.com/USt90n221H
— Jennifer Simpson (@JSimpson2014) July 21, 2022
But instead of making an offer on the items, Watt himself stepped up in a big way.
Watt, the longtime Texans star who now plays for the Cardinals, quote-tweeted Simpson’s original tweet with a gracious offer.
“Don’t sell your shoes and jersey, we’ll help with the funeral,” Watt wrote. “I’m sorry for your loss.”
Don’t sell your shoes and jersey, we’ll help with the funeral.
I’m sorry for your loss.
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) July 21, 2022
“I freaking love you man. It’s been a hard year for me, and this last month has been hard since the death. I wish I could tell you my story,” Simpson responded.
Watt’s selfless act caught the attention of many folks online:
Dick’s Sporting Goods responded to Watt’s offer, saying simply, “What. A. Guy.”
“Is there a go fund me? @RodneyPeete9 and I want to contribute too,” actress Holly Robinson Pete added.
Milwaukee sports anchor Lance Allan tweeted, “Incredible gesture by the pride of Pewaukee. We’ve come to expect this from @JJWatt but we should talk about doing the right thing more often.”
“I can’t tell you guys how proud I am that this guy is part of the @walterpayton @NFL Man of the Year Award family. JJ has a huge heart,” Jarrett Payton added.
It is not the first time Watt has stepped up, in a similar fashion in the past, starting a fundraiser for victims impacted by Hurricane Harvey that ultimately raised over $37 million. He then joined volunteers on the ground, helping to collect and distribute donations himself.
10 semi trucks.
4 locations.
Countless incredible volunteers.
Just the beginning. pic.twitter.com/xmN40M4hFA— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) September 4, 2017
Watt has a strong history of philanthropy, winning the Walter Payton Man of the Year award in 2017 for his fundraising efforts in the wake of Hurricane Harvey.
Sources: DailyWire, ArizonaSports
