JJ Watt Among Top 100 Most Influential People 2018: Time Magazine

HOUSTON, TX — Time magazine released its list of the 100 most influential people in the world, and Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt made the list, not to the surprise of Houstonians.

The list is dotted with pioneers, artists, leaders and icons. It includes politicians like President Donald Trump and Attorney General Jeff Sessions to singers, actors, writers, TV journalists, talk show hosts, astronauts and a few athletes.

Watt made the list for his contributions to Houston in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, in which he helped raise more than $37 million through an online campaign. He person named to the list had something written about them, In Watt's case, it was Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, who wrote this:

"Every few years, a professional athlete touches the heart and soul of a city in a way that has nothing to do with athleticism. Such is the case with Houston Texans star J.J. Watt, who is a star on and off the field.

"Hurricane Harvey was a historic storm that dumped more than 50 inches of rain, damaged more than 300,000 homes and shattered lives. As Houston’s mayor, I led the response and resiliency efforts. But government can’t do everything for everyone. J.J. tackled Harvey’s destruction the same way he obliterates his opponents on the football field. He raised more than $37 million for hurricane recovery and delivered water, food and supplies to storm victims. In the process, he lifted the spirits of all Houstonians.

"Who knows? After I leave office, J.J. Watt could be drafted as the next mayor of Houston."

The only other athletes on the top 100 list was Olympic snowboarder Chloe Kim, tennis legend Roger Federer, basketball phenom Kevin Duran and Virat Kohl, an international cricket star from India.

Here is the full list of the 1op 100.

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Image: J.J. Watt (99) of the Houston Texans enters the field with Texas flag against the Jacksonville Jaguars at NRG Stadium on September 10, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)