From the moment that JJ Watt set foot on an NFL field for the Houston Texans, he has been a fan favorite, both for his work ethic and skill, as well as for his love for his community and fans.
During pre-game warm-ups for a January 2016 game, Asalee (Mimi) Poole was sitting on the sidelines as she celebrated her 99th birthday. She was wearing her number 99 jersey (Watt's number) and even had a Watt themed cake. As if the day couldn't get any better, her favorite player (and the most destructive defensive talent of a generation) came over to give her a big birthday hug and kiss. It was a spectacular moment in sports entertainment, one that Mimi and her family would never forget.
Sadly, Mimi Poole passed away this past week at 100 years of age.
Her family released this statement;
"The world lost an amazing, compassionate, selfless, loving, kind, and generous lady today, but Heaven gained an Angel. Beautiful inside and out. I'm thankful to all who have prayed for Mimi. My wish was to get to Texas City before this happened, so I could give her 1 last hug and kiss. This was not part of God's plan. Luke and I were able to tell her we loved her on speaker phone last night, and I could hear her say "I love you".I miss you, Mimi and you will always be in my heart. 100 years of blessing others. Everyone who knew her loved her."
JJ Watt has touched so many lives over the course of his NFL career, and we are glad he managed to give Mimi such a wonderful 99th birthday memory.