Christian Rookie Texans Quarterback Deshaun Watson Donates First Paycheck to Stadium Workers
Deshaun Watson, the 22-year-old Christian rookie quarterback for the Houston Texans whose family once received a house built by Habitat for Humanity, paid it forward this week when he donated his first paycheck of $27,353 to three workers in the NRG Stadium cafeteria who were affected by Hurricane Harvey.
"For what you all do for us every day and never complain, I really appreciate you all, so I wanted to give my first game check to y'all to help y'all out in some type of way," Watson said.
Watson, who earns a base salary of $465,000, according ESPN, then told the emotional workers: "Hopefully, that's good and that can get you back on your feet. And anything else y'all need, I'm always here to help."
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In 2006, when Watson was just 11 years old, former Atlanta Falcons running back Warrick Dunn partnered with Habitat for Humanity to donate a house to his family.
The rookie quarterback, who attended Clemson University, said that after his family got the house, he was able to separate himself from "negative things" in his old neighborhood and work on his craft.
He told The Clemson Insider that when he was in the ninth grade he gave his life to God who helped him choose the school he would attend.
"I found Christ when I was in ninth grade, and I just started praying on my decision," he said. "I just felt like that day I committed to Clemson, God was talking to me, and I just felt like the time was perfect and that's what I wanted to do."
On his Twitter page, Watson proudly declares "God 1st!" and constantly shares inspiring messages.
"If you'll stay in faith, before long, you'll see how every setback, every disappointment was simply another piece of the puzzle," he declares in one message.
Watson is a member of The Woodlands Church in Texas. At a Texas Tailgate Weekend series at the church in June, Senior Pastor Kerry Shook said of Watson: "He's just so genuine, so real and has a real faith in Christ."
The rookie quarterback's mother, Deann, battled tongue cancer and survived and he said she inspired him with the strength she showed through the ordeal.
"Just the strength she has," Watson said. "It drew me closer to faith."
When asked about the role of his faith in his life, Watson said: "It's very big. It gets me through life. The good times and the bad."
