Texans, Cowboys Preseason Game Canceled After Being Moved Amid Hurricane Harvey

The NFL has canceled Thursday's preseason game between the Houston Texans and Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas. The Texans released a statement announcing they will make a donation equivalent to the money that would have been generated from ticket sales for the contest:

Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo of NFL.com initially reported the news.

Garafolo offered more context on the situation: 

James Palmer of NFL Network also offered potential reasoning for the NFL's decision:

"I support that decision," Cowboys tight end Jason Witten said of the cancelation, per Brandon George of the Dallas Morning News. "This is bigger than football." 

Witten, who planned to donate proceeds from auctioning off a suite for the game, said his foundation will still "get that money to them," per Jon Machota of the Dallas Morning News.

The game was moved to Arlington after Hurricane Harvey caused severe flooding in Houston. 

As CBS DFW reported, "Game proceeds, representing contributions by both clubs and the players, were set to be donated to the United Way of Greater Houston Relief Fund that supports the efforts of the Red Cross and Salvation Army for Hurricane Harvey relief and recovery along the Texas Gulf Coast. Approximately 40,000 tickets had already been sold for $25 each."

George reported that fans who bought those tickets could either request a refund or donate that money to the relief fund, however.