NFL, Cowboys and Texans face outrage over $1.5M flood relief donation amid Texas tragedy

The NFL, Dallas Cowboys and Houston Texans are under fire for their response to a tragedy in Central Texas which unfolded over the weekend. Summer vacation turned tragic when torrential rain from the remnants of Tropical Storm Barry overwhelmed the Hill Country on July 4-5.

In just hours, more than 12 inches of rain caused the Guadalupe River to swell to a near-record 29 feet. The force of the flooding wiped out homes, cabins, and campsites with little warning-resulting in one of the deadliest weather disasters in Texas history.

Among the 70 confirmed fatalities were at least 21 children, many of them from Camp Mystic, a girls' summer camp that was hit in the early morning hours while attendees were asleep.

Rescue crews described the scene as chaotic, with raging floodwaters transforming the area into a "liquid death trap." More than 850 individuals were rescued from rooftops, trees, and submerged vehicles by helicopters and boats, while dozens still remain missing.

Emergency response was swift and large-scale. Federal disaster aid was triggered following a declaration by President Trump. FEMA assistance was mobilized, while Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced a statewide day of prayer. Search-and-rescue efforts spanned from Kerrville to Austin, aided by local authorities, volunteer organizations, and private citizens.

Cowboys, Texans, and NFL Foundation pledge $1.5M

As communities across Texas continue the slow process of recovery, support is pouring in from across the country - including from the sports world. The Dallas Cowboys, Houston Texans, and the NFL Foundation have announced a joint $1.5 million donation via Jerry Jones and Janice, Hannah, and Cal McNair, to assist with both immediate and long-term needs in the flood zone.

Each NFL team is contributing $500,000 to the Salvation Army, with the foundation matching their efforts.

"The National Football League's two Texas-based teams...are uniting with the NFL Foundation to support the victims' families and survivors of the heartbreaking floods," read the league's statement.

"Together they will contribute $1.5 million to provide both immediate assistance and long-term resources."

This pledge will go toward critical services such as temporary housing, food programs, trauma counseling, and infrastructure repairs. Beyond the funds, the gesture is being seen as a sign of unity and compassion at a time when many families have lost everything.

At the local level, Texans have responded with immense generosity. Grassroots efforts in Austin, Kerrville, and Fredericksburg have launched shelters, food distribution centers, and supply banks. Major donors - including celebrities and corporations like SpaceX and USAA - have also stepped up with financial and logistical aid.

Fans let down with the amount

However, fans have taken to social media to register their disappointment at the low amount donated by thr Cowboys and Texans. One fan wrote: "Feel like they should have donated a lot more than 1.5M when both of the texas teams combined are worth over 15 billion," while another said: "It's a drop in the bucket when we know how much they combined make annually."

With search operations still underway, the recovery is expected to stretch for months. Authorities are using DNA identification for bodies recovered in the river and surrounding regions. Meanwhile, experts are calling for urgent upgrades to flood-alert systems and infrastructure across the Hill Country to reduce future risks.

While the physical devastation is vast, the wave of compassion in response has proven just as powerful. From local churches to national sports franchises, Texans are receiving not just aid - but solidarity. In tragedy, a resilient spirit is emerging.