The NFL is coming together to donate to the relief efforts in Texas.
Kerr County and the Texas Hill Country saw catastrophic flood waters from the Guadalupe River sweep through their area during the early morning hours of July 4.
Heavy rainfall overwhelmed the area, damaging homes and youth camps – including Camp Mystic, an all-girls summer camp that lost at least 27 campers and counselors. At least 120 people have been confirmed dead, with more than 160 still unaccounted for, according to officials.
As search and recovery efforts continue, the region is getting a boost from teams on the gridiron, who have pledged their support.
The Houston Texans were the first to announce their donations on Saturday, July 5, with more coming throughout the week. The Dallas Cowboys and the NFL Foundation joined the Texans on Sunday, July 6, with each contributing $500,000 in a $1.5 million total donation.
Teams from other leagues have gotten involved as well, hoping to help the community in the aftermath of the tragedy. Here’s a look at the NFL teams and owners that have pledged their support.
NFL donations to Texas flood relief
Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, Atlanta Falcons
Blank, the owner of the Atlanta Falcons, pledged $500,000 through the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation on July 10.
“We hold the people of Texas, especially those in Texas Hill Country, close in our thoughts as the devastating floods have brought hardship and heartbreak to so many,’ the foundation said in a statement. ‘We mourn the losses and stand with those who are suffering, offering our deepest sympathies and unwavering support.’
Clark Hunt, Kansas City Chiefs
Hunt, the owner of the Kansas City Chiefs, lost a relative, 9-year-old Janie Hunt, in the flood that devastated Camp Mystic.
On July 9, he was part of a group that donated $500,000 to the recovery. Hunt, who also owns Major League Soccer’s FC Dallas, joined Austin FC, Houston Dynamo FC and MLS as part of the group donation.
“Our family is devastated by the tragedy in Central Texas,” Hunt said in a statement. “Our hearts go out to those grieving – in particular, to the parents who lost children, those who lost family members, and the far-too-many who have lost friends, neighbors, and loved ones.
“This has shaken our community to its core. Today, along with our MLS partners, my brother and I are humbled to support those directly assisting the victims of this unimaginable tragedy. In the wake of such sadness, we are awed by the hearts of our fellow Texans, and we are grateful for the true community leaders – in boats, helicopters, or trucks filled with food – who are showing up for their neighbors in need.’
Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings shared on July 9 that they donated $500,000 to support rescue and recovery efforts.
‘We are deeply saddened by the continued devastation and loss of life in the Texas Hill Country and can’t imagine the pain so many are experiencing,’ Mark, Zygi and Leonard Wilf, the team’s owners, said in a statement. ‘We are praying for peace for the families who have lost a loved one and strength for those who continue to risk their lives leading the rescue and recovery effort.’
NFL Foundation
Following the donations from the Texans and Cowboys, the NFL announced on July 6 it would join in with the two Texas clubs – putting in $500,000 on behalf of the NFL Foundation.
‘The National Football League’s two Texas-based teams – the Dallas Cowboys and Houston Texans – are uniting with the NFL Foundation to support the victims’ families and survivors of the heartbreaking floods in central Texas,’ the league said in a statement. ‘Together they will contribute $1.5 million to provide both immediate assistance and long-term resources to those most impacted by the catastrophic flooding.’
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys announced their donation on the morning of Sunday, July 6, contributing $500,000.
‘Our hearts are heavy as we witness the devastation and loss of life caused by the floods in Kerr County and Texas Hill Country, especially for the young girls and their families, as well as all of those lost and their loved ones,’ the team said in a statement. ‘This has been devastating to see and we hold everyone impacted in our thoughts and prayers. Standing side by side with The Salvation Army’s critical response, we are also donating $500,000 to provide immediate resources for rescue, relief and long-term recovery efforts.’
Houston Texans
Cal, Hannah and Janice McNair were the first from the NFL to pledge their support for the people of Texas, donating $500,000 on behalf of the Texans.
‘We are heartbroken by the loss and damage that our neighbors in the Texas Hill Country have endured,’ the McNair family said in a statement. ‘We are especially devastated to hear about the children who are still missing and we are praying they are reunited with their families soon. Our hearts will remain with everyone affected and in addition to our donation, we will continue to support the search, rescue and recovery efforts in the coming weeks.’
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