Texas is reeling after catastrophic floods swept through the Hill Country, leaving a trail of heartbreak and devastation. As communities struggle to recover, several professional sports teams and their owners are stepping up to help in a major way.
Vikings and Chiefs Join the Relief Effort
The owners of the Minnesota Vikings and the Kansas City Chiefs announced major donations to support recovery efforts. The Wilf family, who own the Vikings, pledged $500,000 in relief aid.
In a heartfelt statement, Mark, Zygi, and Leonard Wilf said:
“We are deeply saddened by the continued devastation and loss of life… We are praying for peace for the families who have lost a loved one and strength for those leading the rescue effort.”
Clark Hunt’s Personal Loss
Clark Hunt, owner of both FC Dallas and the Kansas City Chiefs, has been personally affected by the tragedy. He lost his 9-year-old cousin, Janie Hunt, in the floods. Janie was attending Camp Mystic, a historic Christian girls camp located in Kerr County, which has seen some of the worst damage.
“Our family is devastated,” said Hunt.
“Our hearts go out to the parents who lost children, to families who lost loved ones, and to the far-too-many who have lost neighbors and friends.”
His brother, Dan Hunt, also spoke out, expressing grief and promising support.
“We are grieving alongside the families and communities who are living through the unimaginable right now.”
The Devastation So Far
As of Wednesday evening, at least 120 lives have been lost, with 96 confirmed fatalities in Kerr County alone, including 36 children. The Guadalupe River rose 26 feet in under an hour, creating a deadly wave that engulfed Camp Mystic and nearby areas. Several campers and a counselor are still missing.
Sports Community Unites for Texas
The outpouring of support from the sports world has been powerful. Here’s a look at the contributions:
- Minnesota Vikings: $500,000
- Kansas City Chiefs / FC Dallas (Hunt family): Part of combined MLS effort
- Austin FC, FC Dallas, Houston Dynamo FC & MLS: $500,000
- Dallas Cowboys & Houston Texans: $500,000 each
- Houston Astros & Texas Rangers: $1 million each
- Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets, San Antonio Spurs, NBA & NBPA: $2 million+
Together, these teams and organizations are showing that in times of crisis, community comes first. Texans affected by this disaster are not alone—help is pouring in from across the sports world.
