After Jennifer Simpson lost her grandfather, she was not only grieving, but the family didn’t have the money to pay for her grandpa’s funeral. It was a painful place for her to be, but something happened that helped; JJ Watt, along with other celebrities and individuals reached out to help pay. Wondering why many, including JJ Watt helped a woman pay for her grandpa’s funeral? Read on.
Why JJ Watt Helped a Woman Pay for Her Grandpa’s Funeral
Jennifer Simpson isn’t on the celebrity scene. She’s just a regular 26-year-old woman who teaches high school English and enjoys her sports. Her profile on Twitter identifies her in this way: “Christ follower. Teacher. 26. Single. Wrestling fan. Texans. Astros. A little shy, a little funny.”
So how did she get on JJ Watt’s radar, as well as other celebs and many in the community?
Sadly, it all started when Simpson’s grandfather passed away and she needed to find some money to help pay for her grandpa’s funeral. She posted to Twitter that she was selling her “womens edition of Reebok shoes size 9” for $60 and her “Watt womens XL Texans Jersey” for $30 to pay for her grandpa’s funeral.
The same night, JJ Watt saw her post and didn’t hesitate. The now Arizona Cardinals defensive end didn’t want Simpson to give up her prized jersey and shoes. That’s how JJ Watt helped a woman pay her grandfather’s funeral service. Check out his empathetic post here:
Don’t sell your shoes and jersey, we’ll help with the funeral.
I’m sorry for your loss.
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) July 21, 2022
But JJ Watt’s tweet caught the attention of many others, such as Loni Love, who is a TV Host and a comedian. She agreed when JJ Watt helped a woman pay for her grandpa’s funeral, and asked how she could help, too. Check out her tweet:
I’m with JJ.. I’ll help.. is there a go fund me?
— Loni Love (@LoniLove) July 21, 2022
Rodney Peete’s wife, Holly, chimed in, as well saying she wanted to contribute, as well:
Is there a go fund me? @RodneyPeete9 and I want to contribute too
— Holly Robinson Peete 💃🏾♍️ (@hollyrpeete) July 21, 2022
The next morning, Simpson woke up to these celebrity tweets, as well as a bunch of messages from non-celebrities, asking how they could help join in. Simpson was understandably overwhelmed by all the people wanting to help her family.
I posted last night trying to sell valuable items to raise money. I woke up overwhelmed by the love and support of people who don’t even know my grandpas story. My family is so grateful for you all!
— Jennifer Simpson (@JSimpson2014) July 21, 2022
Simpson recognized all the caring responses started when JJ Watt helped a woman pay for her grandpa’s funeral.
She posted to Twitter, “Thank you JJ Watt so much for your generosity and for starting a movement proving the good in the world. I’m truly grateful for all of y’all.”
So how much financial support did Simpson receive?