Logo

Steelers Star T.J. Watt Honors 13-Year-Old Organ Donor Who Saved His Uncle’s Life

Family holds out hope for boy, 13, in coma after being shot in head on  Queens street

Pittsburgh, PA – October 2, 2025

For years, T.J. Watt has been the cornerstone of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense, known for his relentless pursuit of quarterbacks and leadership on the field. But this week, the star linebacker shared a deeply personal story that goes beyond football—a tale of tragedy, family, and profound gratitude.

Watt revealed that his uncle was one of the recipients of organs donated by Sanjay Samuel, a 13-year-old boy who was fatally shot in Queens. Samuel’s selfless donation saved five lives, including that of Watt’s uncle, who received a life-changing kidney transplant.

Sanjay’s heart, liver, lungs, pancreas, and kidneys brought hope to families across the country. For Watt’s family, the gift was especially personal, as his uncle had endured years of uncertainty and pain while awaiting a transplant.

“I’ll forever be grateful to Sanjay’s family,” Watt said in a heartfelt statement. “In the face of unimaginable loss, they chose to give others a second chance at life. My uncle is here today because of their incredible selflessness, and that’s something I’ll carry with me always.”

Known for his intensity and humility, Watt shared that this experience has reshaped his perspective on life beyond the gridiron. He pledged to honor Sanjay’s legacy by advocating for organ donation programs nationwide, hoping to inspire others to consider the impact of such a selfless act.

The Steelers organization has rallied behind Watt’s cause, with teammates and coaches lauding his leadership both on and off the field. A tribute to Sanjay’s memory is planned for an upcoming home game at Acrisure Stadium, where fans will unite to celebrate the young hero’s legacy.

In Queens, Sanjay’s family found solace in knowing his spirit lives on. “He was a boy full of love and kindness,” his father shared. “That love now lives in the people he saved.”

For T.J. Watt, whose career is defined by sacks and accolades, this moment underscores a deeper truth: while championships fade, the legacy of hope and life endures. Sanjay Samuel will forever be a part of his story.

Chiefs Fan-Favourite WR Faces Family Tragedy After Week 5 Game as Military-Trained Skydiving Instructor Dies in Nashville
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice is mourning a devastating personal loss following the team’s Week 5 matchup, as his cousin Justin Fuller, a respected military-trained skydiving instructor, died in a tragic tandem jump accident near Nashville. Fuller, 35, was fatally injured after becoming separated from his parachute harness mid-air during a jump organized by Go Skydive Nashville. His student survived after landing in a tree with the parachute deployed and was later rescued by firefighters. Police confirmed Fuller’s body was recovered in a wooded area off Ashland City Highway. The Nashville Fire Department called it “one of the most complex high-angle rescues in recent years,” commending its personnel for the effort. Justin Fuller, known by the nickname "Spidey," died after a tandem skydiving jump went wrong on Oct. 4, 2025, near Nashville, Tennessee.  (Facebook/Justin Fuller Spidey ) Fuller, known affectionately as “Spidey,” had completed more than 5,000 jumps and trained U.S. military personnel in advanced aerial maneuvers. Friends described him as “fearless, focused, and committed to lifting others higher — both in life and in the air.” Rice, who grew up admiring his cousin’s discipline and sense of purpose, has long credited that example with shaping his mental toughness and leadership on the field. A relative told local media, “Justin taught Rashee that strength isn’t being unbreakable — it’s standing firm when life hits hardest. That’s exactly how Rashee lives and plays today.” As a featured target in the Chiefs’ offense, Rice has earned complete trust for his short-to-intermediate separation, yards-after-catch power (YAC), and chemistry with quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Coaches describe him as “calm, focused, and mature beyond his years,” a disciplined route-runner who finds tight windows in the red zone. Through Week 5 of the 2025 season, Rice has no registered game statistics as he serves a league-issued six-game suspension to start the regular season; major stat services list no 2025 game logs to date.  The Kansas City Chiefs have provided time and private support for Rice and his family, ensuring he can grieve without team-related obligations. Teammates have stood beside him, honoring both his resilience and his family’s tradition of service. The FAA is investigating the incident, while messages commemorating “Spidey” continue to spread nationwide.“He taught others to fly — now he flies higher than all of us,” one tribute read. Rice kept his public remarks brief before leaving in the embrace of teammates:“Spidey always told me not to fear the height — only the moment you forget to look down and pull someone else up with you. This week, I’m playing for him.”