Astros: SI names Jose Altuve and JJ Watt Sportsmen of the Year

An Astros star joined a Texans star on the Sports Illustrated cover for Sportsmen of the Year.

As the end of 2017 approaches, some people are still trying to recover post-Hurricane Harvey. I keep seeing posts on Facebook of people trying to rebuild their lives after losing it all in the storm. When people needed help, others reached out with a helping hand. In a time of need, the city really came together. The Astros, for example, provided a ray of hope in this trying time.

During a natural disaster like that, the city came together like we haven’t seen in a while. Neighbors helping neighbors, this is where the phrase ‘Houston Strong’ came from. Three months later, you see a house that was flooded with Houston Strong proudly displayed in Christmas Lights.

Being just a regular dude, I couldn’t create a call for action to raise funds to help Harvey victims. All I could do is help my friends and family in need. People who can are celebrities and athletes. This is exactly what JJ Watt did in response to Harvey.

Watt could have easily just said, “Here is a donation and good luck.” Instead, the Texans defensive end used his celebrity draw to get people to raise $37 million to help victims. Many people refer to Watt as an attention hog just looking to get the camera’s attention. Sure, he definitely likes the camera, but Watt also understands his role as a celebrity. And he can use this role as a means of good for the community.

Jose Altuve has done something that no one expected when he entered the big leagues, which is win a MVP Award. With his leadership, the Astros won their first World Series in franchise history. Nothing was ever guaranteed in this wild postseason. If you want proof of that, then please re-watch the World Series against the Dodgers.

The Astros’ first-ever World Series title provided a momentary reprieve from the rebuild process for plenty of Houstonians and Texans in general.

It was the celebration that the region needed following such destruction. Although Altuve wasn’t the only reason why the Astros won, he was a major reason behind the team’s success in 2017. He was also another reason behind the city’s morale being lifted in the weeks following the storm by his actions on the field and his words off the field.

In turn, Sports Illustrated selected Altuve and Watt as the 2017 Sportsmen of the Year.

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I’m glad that Sports Illustrated  chose to honor two of the best athletes in Houston today for the award. Both represent the city quite well and they are positive role models for fans everywhere. It also illustrates how Houston is a resilient city that will rebound from this disaster. It may take time, but the city is strong.

Houston Strong.