NFL Andre Johnson Becomes Real Life Santa Claus

Culture

NFL Houston Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson spent almost $20,000 on Christmas presents at Toys R' Us for disadvantaged Houston kids, reported Yahoo News

The gesture, an annual tradition for Johnson through his Andre Johnson Charitable Foundation, selected 12 children from Child Protective Services ages 8 to 16 — who have all suffered parental abuse in some form and now live with extended family members. The children had 80 seconds to fill up their carts with as many toys as they could for themselves as well as for their siblings and other relatives. 

"You hear a minute and twenty seconds, and you don't think that's a long time, but you'd be surprised by what these kids can put into their buckets," Johnson said according to the Houston Texans blog after collecting the lengthy receipt from the store's cash register.  

Johnson's foundation organizes other charity events throughout the year both in Houston and his hometown Miami. However, he told the Texans blog that it's the Christmas Toys R' Us extravaganza the one he enjoys the most. 

"I think it's probably the best one because you get to see the kids really enjoy it [...] that's what this season is about. It's something I look forward to. The kids are happy, they get what they want for Christmas, and that's all that matters," concluded good guy Andre Johnson.