J.J. Watt has wasted no time putting the money he's about to earn from his enormous new contract extension to good use.
Watt, who some believe is the early frontrunner for NFL MVP, surprised his mother this week with a new SUV for her birthday.
The Houston Texans defensive end posted a few photos of his mom, Connie, with her new car outside Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wis. Watt starred at Wisconsin for two seasons before the Texans selected him with the 11th overall pick of the 2011 NFL draft.
I've wanted to be able to do this my whole life. For all you've worked & sacrificed, you deserve it. Happy B-Day Mom! pic.twitter.com/oP1AWQwGwu
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) October 1, 2014
After signing a six-year, $100 million contract extension with the Texans last month, Watt was coy about how he would spend the money. But knowing Watt, who has built a reputation as one of the most generous pro athletes around, he is going to be thoughtful and considerate in his decision.
"Growing up, on TV I saw all the commercials with cars with red bows on them at Christmas time," Watt told ESPN.com. "I always thought to myself, 'Who can do that? Who can just buy a whole car for somebody’s birthday or for Christmas and put a bow on it and drive it? Could you imagine if you could do that for somebody how awesome that would be?'
"My whole life my parents have made sacrifices for me. They've done everything. They've made it so my brothers have had opportunities for success. To be able to give back to her and to surprise her like that, and to see my brother got me a nice video of her when she first saw it, there’s really no better feeling in the world than that to be able to take care of your family, take care of those closest to you. There’s no better way to spend my money than that."
It's been a fun year for Watt and his mom, who posted this selfie from the White House Correspondents' Dinner in May:
Watt, the 2012 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, has gotten off to a stellar start to the 2014 season. He's recorded 15 hits on opposing quarterbacks through four games this season, which is singlehandedly more than 15 NFL teams. He's also notched two sacks, a fumble recovery and an interception return for a touchdown.
