National Football League

J.J. Watt invites special guest for season finale

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 10:46 p.m. ET

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Game in and game out, the Texans' J.J. Watt delivers MVP-worthy performances, but perhaps what he does off the field is even more inspiring.

"J.J. is involved in so many things to benefit the community, there must be 10 of him," defensive line coach Bill Kollar said before Sunday's season finale. "Every time I look up, he's doing something else."

For Sunday's home game, Watt invited a special guest: 19-year-old JD Manuel, who suffers from spinal muscular atrophy, or SMA. He relies on a wheelchair and a life support machine.

Manuel had never been to an NFL game, so Sunday's field trip was literally a dream come true, complete with front-row sideline passes to watch pregame warm-ups and a visit with Watt.

The scene came as no surprise to Kollar.

"J.J. is a phenomenal talent. I haven't coached anyone like him in my 35 years of experience," Kollar said. "As amazing as this sounds, think about what a special player he is - he's an even better person off the field."

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