The Houston Texans value taking initiative in their community. Quarterback Deshaun Watson is one of the 53 men on the roster that does just that.
The Pro Bowl field general invited local hero and high school student Jayden Payne to Sunday’s game against the Carolina Panthers to act as a special guest for the student’s efforts during the Tropical Depression Imelda flooding last week.
When Imelda struck Houston on Sept. 19, many were stuck in high floodwaters. Payne, an Aldine High School student and football player, made sure that didn’t happen under his watch.
When Payne saw a BMW SUV stuck in a ditch and quickly being buried by water, the high schooler acted quickly. He jumped into the bayou, pulling a woman and her daughter out of the murky waters and into safety.
“I had to make sure two of God’s children didn’t die at an early age,” said Payne, via Adam Coleman of the Houston Chronicle.
Payne, a hero now earning deserved national attention, quickly accepted Watson’s invitation to Sunday’s game.
Payne will get to witness Watson coming off of an AFC Player of the Week award, as his 2-1 Texans will host the 1-2 Panthers.
