ST.WHO DAT NEWS — T.J. WATT DONATES $102.9 MILLION TO FIGHT HOMELESSNESS, LAUNCHES “THE WATT HAVEN PROJECT” IN PITTSBURGH

WHO DAT NEWS — T.J. WATT DONATES $102.9 MILLION TO FIGHT HOMELESSNESS, LAUNCHES “THE WATT HAVEN PROJECT” IN PITTSBURGH

In one of the most inspiring acts of generosity in professional sports history, Pittsburgh Steelers superstar linebacker T.J. Watt has donated his entire $102.9 million bonus and sponsorship earnings to fund a massive Homeless Shelter Initiative in Pittsburgh. The initiative will build 150 housing units and 300 shelter beds, offering long-term stability and renewed hope to hundreds of individuals and families experiencing homelessness.

At a press conference held inside Heinz Field on Friday morning, Watt was joined by city officials, Steelers executives, and dozens of local families as he emotionally unveiled the “Watt Haven Project.” With tears in his eyes, Watt explained the motivation behind his historic donation.

“I’ve seen the effects of homelessness firsthand growing up, and I knew if I ever had the means, I’d give back in a meaningful way,” Watt said. “No one deserves to sleep on a sidewalk. Everyone deserves a roof, a bed, and a chance to rebuild.”

The project, backed by partnerships with the City of Pittsburgh Housing Authority, Habitat for Humanity, and several local churches, will provide not just housing but also food programs, mental health counseling, job training, and educational opportunities. Watt’s goal isn’t temporary relief — it’s lasting change.

“T.J. didn’t just write a check,” said Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey. “He built a vision — a long-term plan to end chronic homelessness in this city. This is one of the largest private donations Pittsburgh has ever seen, and it’s coming from the heart of a man who has given his all to this city both on and off the field.”

Watt, who has spent his entire NFL career with the Steelers, is known for his relentless drive, leadership, and deep connection to the community. His loyalty to Pittsburgh has made him not just a sports hero, but a local icon. Since joining the team in 2017, Watt has been active in numerous outreach efforts — from youth mentorship programs to hurricane recovery projects — but this initiative marks his most ambitious effort yet.

Fans and fellow players across the league have taken to social media to praise Watt’s generosity. Teammate Minkah Fitzpatrick wrote on X (formerly Twitter):

“That’s real leadership. T.J.’s always been about more than football. That man’s heart is different.”

Former Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger also posted a heartfelt message, calling Watt’s gift “a moment that defines what it means to love your city and your people.”

The Watt Haven Project will be built in phases across Pittsburgh and surrounding areas. Phase one — 50 housing units and 100 shelter beds — is set to break ground in March 2026, with completion expected by early 2027. The initiative will prioritize veterans, families with children, and individuals who have been displaced by natural disasters — an issue that continues to challenge Pennsylvania communities.

Each site will include a community resource center, offering workshops in financial literacy, employment readiness, and life skills. A portion of the funding will also support an annual “Path to Purpose” scholarship, helping young people who grew up in shelters access higher education or trade programs.

“T.J. Watt’s donation is more than a contribution — it’s a catalyst,” said Ronald Peterson, director of the Pittsburgh Homeless Alliance. “This project will transform lives and change the way we approach housing and rehabilitation in this city.”

The initiative’s impact is already rippling through the region. Steelers fans have started organizing online fundraisers to add to the project, while local businesses have pledged matching donations. Even the NFL Players Association has announced plans to recognize Watt with the Community Impact Award for his extraordinary service.

Despite his massive financial commitment, Watt was quick to remind everyone that this isn’t about fame or headlines — it’s about humanity.

“I’m blessed to play this game and be part of a team that means everything to this city,” he said. “But football is temporary. Impact lasts forever.”

As he left the podium, the crowd erupted in chants of “Here We Go Steelers! Here We Go!” echoing through the stadium with pride and emotion.

For Pittsburgh, T.J. Watt isn’t just a defensive powerhouse — he’s become a symbol of heart, humility, and hope. His donation will not only reshape lives but redefine what it means to be a hero in the truest sense.

From the streets of downtown Pittsburgh to the neighborhoods still recovering from years of hardship, one message now rings clear:

T.J. Watt has turned his success into shelter — and his legacy into love.

1 Quiet Reason the Raiders’ Offense Has Struggled This Season

The Las Vegas Raiders’ offense has struggled this season for various reasons, mainly subpar play along the offensive line and at quarterback. However, the lack of playmakers at skill positions, for various reasons, have held the Raiders’ offense back.

Raiders Rookies Must Improve

The Raiders invested a second-round pick into drafting Jack Bech, proving how much they believed in him before he ever put a Raiders jersey on. However, Bech must do his part and work through the growing pains only the Raiders’ coaching staff knows about.

Bech and Dont’e Thornton were brought in to be two of those playmakers but have yet to make much of an impact. Bech’s lack of playing time on an offense in desperate need of help at wide receiver speaks volumes about where Las Vegas’ coaching staff believes he is developmentally.

“The more plays that we can log with the new guys, Jack [Bech] and Dont’e [Thornton Jr.], we can show them the things that they need to improve on and the things that they’re not quite as sharp on. It helps them. And there’s some pain in that too. There’s some pain in there that we have to undergo. But it’s how you do it,” Carroll said.  

“By the time you get to the middle of the season, these guys should have things really cleaned up, and they should be ready to go and we can count on them and they can come through and not be error repeaters, you know? And that’s what we’re working hard at.” 

During the Bye Week, Raiders’ Wide Receivers Coach Chris Beatty gave an update on the development of both of Las Vegas’ wide receivers. If the Raiders can get Bech and Thornton up to speed quickly, it could alleviate some of the issues they are having on offense.

“Some ups and downs. We have got to be more consistent. Both of those guys are learning a lot. Theres good and bad in everything. First couple of games, Dont’e had an explosive play in every game,” Beatty said.

“He has kind of fell back a little bit and some of the fundamentals, we have got to continue to build on. Same thing with Jack. They have done okay but there is a lot more out there. So, we will keep pushing them and getting the most out of them.”