‘We’ll help’: Former Texans star JJ Watt stops Houston area woman from selling shoes, jersey to help pay for grandfather’s funeral

Former Houston Texans defensive end JJ Watt is helping a Houston area woman during her family’s time of need.

A fan named Jennifer Simpson took to social media on Wednesday to sell a pair of Watt’s women’s edition Reebok sneakers and his jersey, in addition to baked goods, in an effort to help raise funds for her grandfather’s funeral.

“We have been out busting our butt doing everything we can. We didn’t have any money, no life insurance, no social security, nothing coming into it,” Jennifer Simpson said.

Simpson said she tagged Watt in the post, who later responded, saying, “Don’t sell your shoes and jersey, we’ll help with the funeral. I’m sorry for your loss.”

“I was overwhelmed with emotions. For someone that doesn’t even know me, doesn’t even know my family to be so giving and caring to help us I’m at loss for words,” Simpson said.

Celebrity Loni Love chimed in, offering to help with the costs as well.

“I’m with JJ.. I’ll help.. is there a go fund me?” Loni replied.

Simpson told KPRC 2 reporter Re’Chelle Turner that her grandfather died in June and she and her aunt Tara Roderick have been raising money for his funeral.

“He was a great man and always helping people. He would give you the shirt off his back, his last dollar, his last penny,” she said.

Jennifer says JJ Watt is her favorite player and she and her family cannot thank him enough for making sure their grandpa is laid to rest.

“When I got the screenshot of what he did it was just mind-blowing. A piece of burden came off of me knowing that we were so close to laying my dad to rest,” Tara Roderick said.

“I just love what JJ does on and off the field,” Simpson said.

Simpson said she is also a teacher and had an Amazon list posted on social media. Since posting to Twitter about her grandfather’s funeral, she’s received an overwhelming amount of support from people who have helped her purchase some items.