As the raging floodwaters swept away everything in their path, drowning the young dreams and normal lives of Texas families every night, one man stood up with more than just words—he stood up with his heart. And it wasn’t a political value or a family activity. It was an athlete’s basketball.
Nolan Arenado—the star of the St. Louis Cardinals, known for his gold-colored gloves on the court—made America quiet when he quietly donated $3.5 million to help victims of the devastating Texas floods, including 15 innocent children who died…
Arenado’s activism didn’t stop at a transfer account. He rolled up his sleeves, waded into the floodwaters, unguarded and unprotected, to join volunteers in handing out food, cleaning up debris, and playing ball with orphans at a shelter. A photo of him squatting in floodwaters, handing a basketball to a crying girl, went viral on social media with the caption: “You’re more than a player – you’re hope.”
Not stopping at personal action, Arenado launched the “Arenado Aids Texas” campaign, calling for an additional $5 million from colleagues, fans and celebrities. What’s more admirable is that he pledged to contribute an additional $1 million from his own pocket if the pneumonia campaign is stopped. From TV shows to sports podcasts, from football fields to field hospitals, Arenado appeared not to be applauded, but to say one sentence: “No one deserves to lose a child. We must act.”
Arenado’s actions moved fans and athletes alike. Even opponents like Mike Trout wrote: “Proud to call you a friend.” Meanwhile, the governor of Texas declared “Nolan Arenado Day” as an official tribute.
On the football field, he is a star. But in real life, he is living proof that: “Greatness is not measured by the number of times you are lucky – but by the number of times you reach out to save someone in pain.”
