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J.J. Watt sends game-worn cleats to kid who sent him an autograph

By Hayden Kane

Jan 1, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt on the field prior to the game in the 2015 Outback Bowl against the Auburn Tigers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt on the field prior to the game in the 2015 Outback Bowl against the Auburn Tigers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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J.J. Watt send a pair of game-worn cleats to the self-confident young man who sent him an autograph in the mail in the middle of the 2014 NFL season.

The Houston Texans might have missed the playoffs, but this is still the year of J.J. Watt. And the big defensive end has not just made news for his dominant, potentially MVP-worthy performances on the field. He has made news off the field too.

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One of the all-time greats when he’s mic’ed up, Watt has also made his name with interesting interviews and some sick dance moves in a certain commercial. But perhaps most important of all, Watt had an awesome exchange via the good old postal system with a young fan.

Anthony Tarantelli is seven years old. He wrote a letter to Watt in which he famously sent his autograph to the superstar defender rather than asking for one. Tarantelli’s autorgraph went viral, and rightfully so.

With the Texans’ season now officially in the books, Watt and Tarantelli are still making news. It would appear that the young fan made quite an impression on Watt, with a pair of game-worn cleats sent as a clear sign of respect.

As passed along by TMZ Sports, Watt sent cleats and a jersey to Tarantelli along with a motivational note.

This would be an outstanding gesture from any NFL player, one that would surely thrill any young fan. But for it to be J.J. Watt, after the season he just had, well, that resonates on another level. Using this as a point of reference, it would appear Watt has a pretty healthy perspective on things.

How is anybody going to top this moment as motivation for young football players? Those kids who will have to play against Tarantelli better watch out. Even if he is exaggerating a little big when he compares himself to Watt, it sounds like he is a challenging opponent. That should only be more true with this motivation backing him.

Defensive lineman have been stars in the NFL before, but Watt still might be on another level for seasons to come. He makes himself available, he is a blast to watch, and now he comes through with a great gesture like this one. The guy’s star is on the rise, and rightfully so.

h/t Extra Mustard

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