Judy Keefe has been an elementary school teacher for 40+ years and after she announced her retirement, one of her favorite students decided to surprise her. That student is Houston Texans’ defensive end J.J. Watt. “She is the teacher who told me I could play in the NFL,” said JJ in the Facebook Live video. “She is one of the biggest inspirations for me – she’s unbelievable.” It's such a good video. Mrs. Keefe tells her fourth graders she remembers when he was in fourth grade, and he told her that he wanted to play for the Wisconsin Badgers. Mrs. Keefe told him she thought he could do it, but he would have to work really, really hard. JJ told her he would. And, as Mrs. Keefe points out in the video--'Look at him now!'
“I was teaching and he walked in with the administration and said 'Surprise'. And he came in and celebrated my retirement with my students," the teacher said. He even brought a cake that said: School's Out Forever!!
Mrs. Keefe has stayed in touch with him over the years by working for his foundation, too. The foundation raises money for middle school athletic programs.