Texans Return After Hurricane Harvey To Emotional Pregame Ceremony

The Texans opened their season against the Jaguars today at NRG Stadium, a game that "should be part of the much-needed healing process after the widespread destruction caused by Hurricane Harvey" (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 9/9). Before the game, the Texans honored first responders who helped the city during Hurricane Harvey. First responders held the U.S. flag during the national anthem. The Texans also wore a “Houston Strong” decal on their helmets, and DE J.J. Watt during pregame warmups, wore Texas flag-themed cleats. Watt, who spearheaded hurricane relief fundraising efforts that have surpassed $30M, was introduced last during pregame festivities. CBS’ Steve Tasker during the net’s broadcast said, “This place was full of emotion. There was not a dry eye” (THE DAILY). Houston-based KHOU-CBS reporter Daniel Gotera tweeted, “This place was shaking when J.J. Watt came out. Goosebumps” (TWITTER.com, 9/10).

Watt said of his fundraising efforts, "Everybody wanted to help. Everybody from all over the country and the world wanted to help. They just needed a way to help. I’m not a hero. I’m not a hero at all. The heroes are the policeman, the people that literally save people’s lives, the firefighters, all of the community members and all the neighbors. The heroes are people that donated millions of dollars. I’m just a coordinator of people" (“The NFL Today,” CBS, 9/10).