JJ Watt was drafted by the Houston Texans in 2011 and won defensive player of the year in three of his ten seasons in the NFL; Watt says he is “difficult to move on” but is “excited and looking forward to a new opportunity”
Last updated: 12/02/21 3:42 pm
JJ Watt sat down with Cal McNair, the owner of the Houston Texans, to demand his release
JJ Watt and the Houston Texans have agreed to participate in ways, with this year’s three-time defensive player confirming the news in an emotional farewell message.
Watt confirmed he had sat down with Texans owner Cal McNair to release him after ten seasons in Houston.
The old-fashioned defensive end cut a frustrating figure throughout the 2020 season and made public criticism of the professionalism and productivity of some of his players after their 37-31 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in December.
The 31-year-old is the franchise’s full-time bag manager (101) and is a five-time Pro Bowl picker.
The Texans picked Watt by the 11th pick in the first round of the 2011 NFL draft, and appeared in 128 games, also setting up franchise machines for losses (172), quarterback goals (281) and forced fumbles (25 ).
In a video message, addressed to Texans supporters, Watt said: “I wanted to do this on video, rather than making a statement or doing a press conference because I want to that your boys will hear it straight from me.
“I want to speak to you directly, the city of Houston, so that you can hear the words straight from my mouth.
“I have sat down with the McNair family and asked for my release. We have agreed on a number of ways to share at this time.
“I came here ten years ago as a child from Wisconsin who had never been to Texas before and now I can’t imagine my life without Texas there.
“The way you treated me – as well as the Draft night, you cooked me on Draft night – you treated me like a family. I really feel like you’re my family.
Watt is a fan favorite in Houston after a decade with the Texans
“Since that day I have tried my best to earn my respect and pride in and off the field.
“Your boys have given me everything else and I can only hope that you feel like I have given you everything I have.
“The connection is special and I will never take that for granted because I know how rare it is.
“I’m excited and looking forward to a new opportunity and I’ve worked hard, but at the same time it’s always hard to move on.
“I just want your guys to know that I love you, I value you, I appreciate the McNair family for giving me my first chance in the NFL. Thank you Houston. “
In a statement, McNair said: “Change is never easy, especially when it comes to favorites.
“JJ has an impact on not only our group, but the entire Houston community, unlike any player in our franchise history.
“I told JJ earlier in the week that we will always consider him as a Texan. We take solace in this that this is not a farewell but ‘see you soon.’
“For now, we will build on the foundation laid by JJ here and build on the unwavering determination to compete in our city, create memorable experiences for our fans and things to do great for Houston. “
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