The
Dallas Cowboys and
Houston Texans are facing
intense backlash for their financial response to the disastrous flood in Central Texas that killed at least 82 people, including 22 children, over the Fourth of July weekend.
Officials are now describing this as
one of the deadliest natural disasters in Kerr County's history. Flash flooding resulted in a 20 to 26-foot surge,
flooding roads, homes, and entire neighborhoods near Kerrville. Authorities confirmed comprehensive infrastructure damage, and the Hill Country region is still working through the wreckage and searching for missing people,
including campers at Camp Mystic.
The
Dallas Cowboys and
Houston Texans are facing
intense backlash for their financial response to the disastrous flood in Central Texas that killed at least 82 people, including 22 children, over the Fourth of July weekend.
Officials are now describing this as
one of the deadliest natural disasters in Kerr County's history. Flash flooding resulted in a 20 to 26-foot surge,
flooding roads, homes, and entire neighborhoods near Kerrville. Authorities confirmed comprehensive infrastructure damage, and the Hill Country region is still working through the wreckage and searching for missing people,
including campers at Camp Mystic.
President Donald Trump
issued a major disaster declaration for Kerr County to provide federal aid in reaching first responders and recovery teams still searching the area. The NFL Foundation, Cowboys, and Texans announced a combined $1.5 million donation, with each group pledging $500,000.
"$500K? That's it?" one fan posted in disbelief on the Cowboys’ X page. Another said, "That's 0.09 percent of your record $564M operating income in 2024." The
Cowboys' franchise value was the first to surpass $10 billion, and they are regularly ranked as one of the most valuable sports organizations in the world. The Texans, who are worth an estimated $6.1 billion, didn't escape the heat from fans on X.
The Texans issued a statement signed by Janice, Hannah, and Cal McNair that said, "We are heartbroken by the loss and damage that our neighbors in the Texas Hill Country have endured...especially devastated to hear about the children who are still missing...our hearts will remain with everyone affected...and in addition to our donation, we will continue to support the search, rescue and recovery efforts in the coming weeks."
The Cowboys also expressed sorrow, writing, "Our hearts are heavy as we witness the devastation... Standing side by side with The Salvation Army's critical response, we are also donating $500,000 to provide immediate resources for rescue, relief, and long-term recovery efforts."
The Texans and Cowboys were scrutinized for their donation amounts(Image: Getty Images)
Fans expected both Texas powerhouse entities to do more to help flood victims. "Do more," replied one user. "You're worth $6.1B and give half a million? I've seen individuals with less give more," said another.
A Cowboys fan added, "No wonder you haven't made the Super Bowl in 30 years. Greedy and heartless." The criticism was even referred to as a "PR-level donation."
Although the league and its partners named The Salvation Army and local groups as fund recipients, the donation appeared insensitive to fans witnessing families searching for missing children, homes destroyed by disasters, and struggling small towns.
The Cowboys previously donated $1 million to Thomas Jefferson High School's football field when tornadoes hit North Texas in 2019.
The Cowboys also donated $50,000, matched by the NFL Foundation, to the El Paso Community Foundation Victims' Fund after a mass shooting that killed 22 people. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones contributed $1 million to the inaugural presidential campaign of Trump.