Justin James Watt is a football player from Pewaukee, Wisconsin. He was not a highly-recruited football player coming out of high school. He was good enough to receive a scholarship and play for the Central Michigan University. Watt played very little at Central Michigan. He did not want to give up on his dream to play and so he left Central Michigan to walk on at the University of Wisconsin. Few students, who walk on, every get to play. It was a risky move to follow his dream, but it was worth it.
Watt did not play his first year at Wisconsin but his final year he played and was amazing. By the end of the season Watt was All-Big Ten and All-American. In 2011, (Justin) J.J. Watt was drafted 11th overall by the NFL Houston Texans. Since being drafted J.J. Watt has seen his dream realized. Watt has three times been named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year and a 4-time Pro Bowl selection.
J.J. Watt is an icon of Houston Texan football. He followed his dreams even when others did not believe he would be successful.
This past week J.J. Watt has continued his winning ways for the people of Houston. While preparing for the start of the 2017 NFL season Watt has begun a significant fundraising campaign to help the people of south Texas recover from the devastation left behind by Hurricane Harvey. Watt started the fund raiser off with a gift of $100,000 of his own money. In just two days he has helped to raise over 12 million dollars and helped to organize relief efforts from as far away as his hometown in Pewaukee, WI.
In a recent interview about his efforts in Houston, Watt said, “I’m not going to be perfect at this, I can promise you, because it’s happening on the fly and I’ve never done anything like this, but I’m doing everything I can and we’re going to make it as good as we possibly can.” J.J. Watt is known for wrecking the opposing offense. He has never wanted to sit on the sidelines, his passion was playing the game. J.J. Watt has now taken his passion and directed it to helping the city that has been so good to him. He is making a big difference on and off the field. He now can add humanitarian to the many titles he has earned.
J.J. Watt is an example of daring to live life. He has made bold decisions and followed his passions. So often we have dreams and hopes that never become a reality because we are not willing to jump in a try. We can make a difference, if we are willing to follow our passion and get in the game.
Rev. Keith King, Online Campus Pastor
