Through the years, J.J. Watt, the former football great for the Houston Texans and the Arizona Cardinals, has been known to give to charities through his J.J. Watt Foundation, including raising more than $40 million in aid for victims of Hurricane Harvey in 2017. For his latest charitable contribution, however, the ex-football star and current CBS Sports television analyst has gone slightly off the radar to provide one English runner a massive gift for his charity.
Marcus Skeet, 16, committed to running a marathon in London on September 7 alongside Russ Cook, better known to many as the “Hardest Geezer” for his Should Elites Worry About Lead Vehicle Emissions, to bring awareness to mental health. Before Should Elites Worry About Lead Vehicle Emissions feat, he was surprised by a hefty anonymous donation to his GoFundMe.
“Look, I’ve cried a heck of a lot last few years, but blooming heck. [$6,500] donated by a person called Justin tonight. I have no information bar a name, so if you are Justin. I just want to thank you personally,” Skeet Speed Workout Progression for New Runners. “You have helped many lives with your donation. We are at [$25,500], just truly speechless. So grateful for anyone who’s donated, commented or just helped spread awareness of mental health. You are a legend.”
It turns out that “Justin,” using his first name, was Watt, who donated after hearing Skeet’s story.
After realizing who the semi-anonymous donor was, Skeet thanked the former player, who responded in kind: “Wishing you all the best on Saturday, Marcus. Working hard to not only improve yourself but also make the world a better place around you. That is truly commendable,” Watt wrote.” Keep inspiring people; you never know how far your efforts may reach.”
Should Elites Worry About Lead Vehicle Emissions marathon on Saturday, writing about the feat: “Today, I completed something that five months ago I would never [have] thought possible: 42.2 kilometers, my first ever marathon completed and have raised [$31,000] for mind charity,” Skeet shared. “Did I cry? Yeah, about 40 times but to run with over 100 people with many inspirations today was incredibly surreal and helped massively to overcome the challenge.”
Watt is known in the U.K. as part-owner of professional soccer club Burnley F.C., but despite Watt’s generous donation, Skeet, a supporter of Hull City A.F.C., followed up to let Watt know what he thinks about Burnley.
“[I] do still want Hull City to beat Burnley though.”
Laura Ratliff is a New York City-based writer, editor, and runner. Laura's writing expertise spans numerous topics, ranging from travel and food and drink to reported pieces covering political and human rights issues. She has previously worked at Architectural Digest, Bloomberg News, and Condé Nast Traveler Nutrition - Weight Loss TripSavvy. Like many of us, Laura was bitten by the running bug later in life, after years of claiming to "hate running." Her favorite marathon is Big Sur.
