HOUSTON – Last week, Houston Texans defensive end JJ Watt tweeted about a letter and No. 99 jersey he got from a fellow defensive end, 7-year-old Anthony Tarantelli, who even autographed his jersey for Watt.
Watt was so impressed he sent the pee wee football player a video and a signed jersey of his own.
"What's going on, Anthony, it's JJ Watt," Watt said in the video. "I wanted to take a real quick second to say thank you so much for the jersey and the kind letter that you sent me. I love your confidence in yourself. I love that you believe in yourself and I love that you're willing to go out there and work to accomplish your dreams and your goals and make them become a reality."
Then earlier this week, Watt sent Tarantelli another surprise -- an autographed Houston Texans jersey and cap.
"It means a lot to get all this stuff from my favorite football player," said Anthony.
Watt also sent him a pair of cleats he wore while getting three sacks against Jacksonville this year.
"They still have dirt on them from the game," said Anthony.
And if that wasn't enough of a thrill, Watt in the video showed how he did something special with Anthony's jersey
"And I want to show you that your jersey is here and it's safe in my office with Andrew Luck and Cameron Wake and Drew Brees and Peyton Manning and some awards. So you're in good company, buddy," Watt said in the video.
His parents said Anthony is a Watt fan for life now.
"It means a lot to know that the person your child is emulating is a thoughtful and caring individual," said Anthony's father, Joe Tarantelli.
Anthony moves from flag football to tackle football next season, and his parents said they'll try to make their way to Houston next season for a Texans game.