J.J. Watt Praised By NFL Community For Classy Encounter With Fan
Former NFL superstar J.J. Watt reminded everyone just how powerful an act of kindness can be.
Earlier this Saturday, a social media user by the name of Douglas Sandstorm said he ran into Watt in New York City. Although he idolized the future Hall of Famer, he was too nervous to ask for a photo.
"Not Proud of it, man enough to say it. I had breakfast this morning in Greenwich Village NYC and a man sat next to me on his own. Somebody I idolised growing up watching NFL. But out of respect (like a scared little girl) I didn't even ask for a picture," he wrote on X. "Not proud of it, man enough to say it. Have a great day in New York."
Less than an hour later, Watt asked the fan if he was still in the NYC area and willing to meet up. As you'd imagine, he was able to clear out his schedule.
With that being said, a photo of Watt and this fan was shared on social media along with the caption: "What a legend bro! Thank you so much for your time man. I'll tell my kids about this story one day."
While social media can divide people from time to time, every NFL fan is in agreement that Watt is a class act for giving this person a memory they'll never forget.
"What a move by J.J. Watt," one fan wrote.
"It's always so impactful when athletes just share some time with friends," a second fan said.
"This made me smile so big! What a fabulous way to meet someone you idolize without being a nuisance," another person commented.
J.J. Watt was beloved during his time in Houston.
Watt was outstanding on the field, racking up 531 tackles, 317 QB hits, 114.5 sacks and 27 forced fumbles during his career. He was a five-time Pro Bowler, a three-time Defensive Player of the Year, and the 2017 Walter Payton Man of the Year.
During the 2017 NFL season, Watt raised more than $37 million for those impacted by Hurricane Harvey.
"I've been fortunate to be on this stage and to win Defensive Player of the Year awards, but everything that you do on the field pales in comparison to what you do off the field,'' Watt said. "And at the end of my life, if I'm remembered as a football player and a good football player and that's all I'm remembered for, then I did a poor job in my life. When I go to my grave I want to be remembered as a guy who helped people out and who tried to do as much as he could off the field to be the best man he could be. I'm trying to make my family proud and my fans proud, and go out there and just be the best person I can be and leave the world a little bit better.''
Suffice to say, Watt is a star on and off the gridiron.
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This story was originally published July 18, 2026 at 12:49 PM.