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J.J. Watt donates $10,000 to injured high school player

By Nathaniel Reeves

Aug 22, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans defensive end J.J Watt (99) smiles prior to the game against the Denver Broncos at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 22, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans defensive end J.J Watt (99) smiles prior to the game against the Denver Broncos at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /
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Houston Texans star defensive end J.J. Watt led the charge to help an injured local high school football player with a big donation.

While a back injury cost Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt the entire 2016 season, he is still making his presence felt in the local community.

Watt donated $10,000 to a GoFundMe Page for Grant Milton of The Woodlands High School on Wednesday morning, according to KVUE TV in Houston.

Milton, a senior linebacker at The Woodlands just over 30 miles north of Houston, suffered a severe head injury on Saturday in a playoff game against Austin Bowie at Baylor’s McLane Stadium. After suffering seizures on the sideline, Milton was rushed to a local hospital to undergo emergency surgery.

The Milton family set up a GoFundMe page to raise funds for Grant’s recovery. A huge $10,000 donation appeared on Wednesday morning, with the following message from Watt.

"“If there’s anything that I can do to help, please let me know. Sending my best wishes to Grant and the entire Milton family.”"

Grant’s father released a statement on Wednesday saying the swelling in his son’s brain has mostly abated. Milton is still using a ventilator to breathe and is taking tiny steps each day.

In addition to Watt’s donation, area Chick-Fil-A restaurants are raising money for Milton with a Spirit Night on Wednesday. Milton’s GoFundMe page is approaching $85,000 of the $121,000 goal.

While Watt is about as intense as it gets on the field, he’s one of the NFL’s greatest humanitarians off the field. Watt regularly visits children in local hospitals and played football with kids from Sandy Hook Elementary back in 2012.

must read: 30 Best NFL Defenders of All-Time

The three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year underwent back surgery near the end of September and is going through a lengthy rehab process. The Texans are half a game up in the AFC South at 6-5 this season.

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