The J.J. Watt era in Houston has come to an end as the Texans have granted Watt's request to be released.
Earlier Friday, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that Watt would be released and Watt confirmed the news in a video he posted to his Twitter account.
“Change is never easy, especially when it involves the ones you love. J.J.’s impact on not only our organization, but the entire Houston community, is unlike any player in our franchise’s history,” said Texans Chair and CEO Cal McNair. “I told J.J. earlier this week that we will forever consider him a Texan. We take solace in knowing that this is not a goodbye but a ‘see you soon.’ For now, we will build upon the foundation that J.J. created here and forge ahead with our unwavering mission to bring a championship to our city, create memorable experiences for our fans and do great things for Houston.”
Drafted in 2011, Watt spent 10 seasons with the Texans, appearing in 128 games, making five Pro Bowls, and being named AP First-Team All-Pro from 2012-15 and again 2018. Watt also holds a myriad of franchise records including sacks with 101.0, tackles for loss with 172, quarterback hits with 281, and forced fumbles with 25. He finishes his Texans career with 531 total tackles. 61 passes defended, and 16 fumble recoveries.
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Watt is also the only player in league history who has accumulated at least 15-percent of a single franchise’s sacks and is one of just three players in NFL history to win at least three AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year Awards.
Since his rookie season, Watt also leads the NFL in tackles for loss, quarterback hits, multi-sack games (26), and sack yards, and ranks second in sacks.
“Simply put, there has been no person in the past decade who has made a greater impact on the Texans organization than J.J. Watt,” said Co-Founder and Senior Chair Janice S. McNair. “J.J.’s dominance on the field was unprecedented and resulted in countless moments that will go down in Texans history. To me, what best represents J.J.’s connection to Houston is his tradition of playing catch with the fans before every home game. The number of people who wear #99 jerseys with smiles on their faces totally encapsulated J.J.’s passion for bonding with Texans fans at every possible opportunity. His commitment to the community is unlike any player in NFL history. We are forever grateful to J.J. and his family.”
Watt leaves the Texans as one of the most beloved and revered sports figures in the history if Houston, not only because of his ability on the field, but because of immense philanthropic gestures that he has displayed over the last decade.
Watt made a particular impact during the devastation of Hurricane Harvey in 2017, helping to raise more than $41 million for the city of Houston and surrounding areas, helping him to earn the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award.
“The connection I have with the people of Houston is special, and I will never take that for granted because I know how rare it is. I just want you to know that I love you and I appreciate you,” said Watt via a message to fans via social media. “I want to thank the McNair family for drafting me and giving me my first opportunity in the NFL. Thank you, Houston.”
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