Watt provides hurricane-force relief
More than $12M raised so far for Harvey victims
Unable to return to Houston because of flooding caused by Harvey and frustrated at his inability to help, J. J. Watt opened a modest little online fundraising campaign Sunday afternoon from the Houston Texans’ temporary digs in Dallas.
With a Youcaring account, a pledge of $100,000 of his own money, a goal of $200,000 and a video plea, the Texans’ star defensive end started something that is making him the face of relief efforts in Houston. By Thursday, the effort that began Sunday afternoon had reached a truly amazing level: more than $12 million, helped along by the latest big donation — $1 million each from Ellen DeGeneres and Walmart. At this point, Watt admitted that he has stopped setting goals.
“I’m going to leave the link open,” he said in his latest video update, “and see how high we can get it.” TEXANS’ HOPKINS CATCHES
BIG MONEY » A person familiar with the negotiations says the Texans and wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins have agreed to a five-year, $81 million contract extension. The deal, which includes $49 million guaranteed, comes as the star receiver was entering the last year of his contract. ELLIOTT HEARING CLOSES » Dallas running back Ezekiel Elliott’s hearing on the appeal of his six-game suspension over a domestic violence case ended after three days. According to the labor agreement, Arbitrator Harold Henderson must rule on the NFL’s punishment “as soon as practicable.” BENGALS’ TOP PICK HURT » Phillip Walker’s fourthquarter, 29- yard touchdown pass to Justice Liggins as the Colts won 7- 6 over Cincinnati in a game where Bengals’ first-round pick John Ross caught one pass for 6 yards before leaving with a knee injury. FALES SHINES » David Fales (San Jose State) completed 9 of 15 passes for 139 yards and two scores, including a 65-yarder to Jakeem Grant as the Dolphins beat the Vikings 30-9. MAHOMES GETS CHANCE» First- round pick Patrick Mahomes II threw for 183 yards and a touchdown in what was likely his final game for a while, and the Kansas City Chiefs beat the Tennessee Titans 30- 6. Mahomes got the nod with Alex Smith and the rest of the starters sitting out. The former Texas Tech star scrambled for first downs, stood tall in the pocket and used his big arm to make plays downfield. His favorite target was second-year pro Demarcus Robinson , who may have locked up the Chiefs’ final wide receiver job. He had three catches for 127 yards, including a 28-yard TD strike. The Chiefs released veteran offensive lineman Jah Reid a day after acquiring Cam Erving in a trade with Cleveland. TRUBISKY STRUGGLES » Mitchell Trubisky got an opportunity to start and little chance to show what he can do, completing just two passes for the Chicago Bears in a 25- 0 preseason-- ending loss to the Cleveland Browns. Trubisky started with Mike Glennon and veteran Mark Sanchez resting for the opener against Atlanta next week. The No. 2 overall pick and Clevelandarea product completed 2 of 5 passes for 10 yards against the team that drafted defensive end Myles Garrett first. Cody Kessler had a solid half as the Browns held out second-round pick DeShone Kizer and Brock Osweiler, completing 11 of 19 passes for 144 yards. STEELERS REWARD GM COLBERT » The Steelers have signed general manager Kevin Colbert to an extension through the 2020 draft. OLSEN HAS INCENTIVE TO DO WELL » Panthers Pro Bowl tight end Greg Olsen has restructured his contract, which could allow him to make an additional $2 million this season if he reaches certain incentives. Olsen was seeking a new contract after becoming the first tight end in NFL history to reach 1,000 yards receiving in three straight seasons.