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Houston Sports: Why I’m proud of our two 2017 Sportspersons of The Year

By Dan Shedd

NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 05: Sportsperson of the Year, Jose Altuve and J.J. Watt attend SPORTS ILLUSTRATED 2017 Sportsperson of the Year Show on December 5, 2017 at Barclays Center in New York City. (Photo by Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images for Sports Illustrated)
NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 05: Sportsperson of the Year, Jose Altuve and J.J. Watt attend SPORTS ILLUSTRATED 2017 Sportsperson of the Year Show on December 5, 2017 at Barclays Center in New York City. (Photo by Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images for Sports Illustrated) /
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Two of Houston Sports biggest stars, Jose Altuve and J.J. Watt, have been named the Sports Illustrated 2017 Sports Person of Year earlier this week and here’s why I’m so proud of their honors.

Every year since 1954, Sports Illustrated awards an individual for their efforts off the playing field helping out those who need it the most. This year, two of Houston Sports biggest stars stepped up for the city when they needed them the most. Their impacts on the city of Houston as well as Houston Sports were different, but both were meaningful in their own unique way.

After Hurricane Harvey hit Houston and the surrounding area, J.J. Watt knew he had to do something to help his adopted city out. What JJ did was something that will never be forgotten by Houstonians. J.J. wasn’t asked to do it, rather he did it on his own accord because he saw it as a way to help.

Now I know why everyone loves J.J., because of the type of person he is. He may be big in stature,

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but it pales into comparison to the size of his heart.

While his impact may not match the monetary value of Watt’s, Jose Altuve‘s impact was mostly felt on the field for the Houston Astros and their fans. Altuve helped the Houston Astros earn their first ever World Series championship in team history. Whenever the Astros needed a big hit or steal, Altuve was one of the many players who delivered when the Astros needed something to happen. His heart showed on the field as well off of it.

Altuve’s story is a true underdog type. He showed up to a Venezuelan training camp one day, was told to go home because of his size, however Altuve showed up the next day and the rest is history.

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The Houston Astros did help Houstonians who were displaced by Harvey by spending their off day volunteering at the George R. Brown Convention Center after they got back from games in Tampa Bay. They also created a fundraiser to help out with Harvey relief.

Both guys helped Houston get back on its feet and start the rebuilding and healing process in their different ways but both are indeed worthy of Sportsperson Of The Year.

The Bayou City Thanks You Both!

#HoustonStrong

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