'There's still goodness in the world': J.J. Watt helps fan pay for her grandfather's funeral
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A compassionate gesture from a Pewaukee, Wisconsin native and NFL superstar.
Current Arizona Cardinal, J.J. Watt, is showing off his Midwestern kindness.
It all started with a simple tweet.
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
"I was like, I have this shirt and shoes. If anybody's interested, I'll sell them, and I put decent prices," said Jennifer Simpson of Freeport, Texas.
Simpson was overwhelmed, making a tough choice to sell her J.J Watt shoes and jersey in order to raise money for her grandfather's funeral.
"It's been a month already and nothing else has worked, so I'm like, going to the valuables next. My guitar was going to be next after the jerseys," Simpson told CBS 58, "It hurt me to have to sell things like this, but I'll do it to help my family out."
Just 20 minutes after sending out the tweet, a response came that Simpson never expected.
It was her idol, J.J. Watt, offering a helping hand.
Don’t sell your shoes and jersey, we’ll help with the funeral.
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) July 21, 2022
I’m sorry for your loss.
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"He's like, keep your stuff, don't sell your stuff, and we'll help you with the funeral," Simpson said. "I couldn't sleep after that. I was so overwhelmed by different emotions."
Watt's kindness served as a spark of hope during a time of struggle for Simpson's family.
"It just shows that there's still goodness in this world," Simpson said.
The special gesture from a special guy, given to properly honor Simpson's grandfather.
"He's the type of person like J.J., like he would give you the last of anything. He was a giving person," Simpson said of her grandpa, "So to know someone is giving to help him, to help us, he'd be super grateful right now."
Simpson said Watt has already sent money to the family since his tweet last night. Her family tells CBS 58 they are extremely gracious.
Watt hasn't commented publicly about the kind gesture.
This isn't the first time the Pewaukee native has done a notable act.
In 2017, the J.J. Watt Foundation raised $41.6 million for Hurricane Harvey relief, earning him the NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year award.