Texans' J.J. Watt raises more than $1 million for Houston victims

Texans star J.J. Watt’s fundraiser for the victims of the recent flooding in Houston and to help rebuilding efforts has reached more than $1 million after surpassing his original goal of $200,000.

The defensive end announced his fundraising efforts with an emotional Facebook video.

"It's very difficult," he said. “Not only because we have family and friends back there -- some guys have young kids, some guys have wives and families -- but that's our city. It's very tough to watch our city get hit by such a bad storm and not be there to help."

Watt began the fundraiser with a $100,000 donation of his own and set the YouCaring goal at $200,000.

“Any donation that you can spare, no matter how large or small, no matter what city or state you live in, is greatly appreciated,” he wrote. “We will come out of this stronger than ever.”

Watt hit the $200,000 goal in just two hours. And within 24 hours of setting up the fund, he raised more than $560,000.

Monday night, Watt announced he had moved the goal to $1.5 million after reaching $1 million.

"I can't even begin to describe what it's like to see people come together for a common cause," he said in a Monday video update. "The city of Houston is so grateful for the help that we're gonna be able to provide."

“I know you’re wondering where the money is going to go, and I just want to let you know, it’s going directly to the people,” Watt said in a video Monday night.

YouCaring Link: Houston Flood Relief Fund