Watt, Texans mutually agree to split
Release of star defensive end adds to upheaval in Houston
Watt didn’t just play for the Houston Texans, he was the Houston Texans.
The physical embodiment of a young franchise lacking much of an identity before the burly Wisconsin kid donned that No. 99 jersey, Watt wowed the football world with his defensive prowess.
Now he’s gone, and a team already in the midst of unprecedented upheaval faces a future suddenly even more bleak.
“I have sat down with the McNair family and I have asked them for my release and we have mutually agreed to part ways at this time,” Watt said Friday in a video on social media.
The three-time defensive player of the year has spent his entire career with the Texans after being drafted 11th overall in 2011. The star defensive end had one year remaining on a six-year, $100-million (U.S.) contract.
“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,” Watt said in the video. “I just want you to know that I love you and I appreciate you. I want to thank the McNair family for drafting me and giving me my first opportunity in the NFL. Thank you, Houston.”
Houston’s franchise had been around for nine seasons before Watt’s arrival, but had little success with one winning record and never reaching the postseason. Watt’s presence helped change things immediately: Houston went 10-6 to win the AFC South in his rookie year. He led the Texans to their first playoff win that season when his interception for a touchdown put them on top for good in a 31-10 victory over the Bengals.
The Texans finished a franchise-best 12-4 the following year behind Watt’s stellar season, reaching the playoffs again. They won the division six times in his Houston years, and as his resumé grew, so did the image of the Texans.
“He’s just everything that we really want to do here … epitomized,” team owner Cal McNair said. “He was a great role model for the fans and teammates and to show people how to do things and do things the right way. So he was wonderful that way.”
Watt’s departure comes in an off-season in which the Texans have hired coach David Culley and general manager Nick Caserio to replace Bill O’Brien, who held both jobs and was fired after an 0-4 start in 2020. They’re also facing uncertainty at quarterback because standout Deshaun Watson requested a trade.
Watt, who turns 32 next month, is now a free agent and speculation is he’ll end up in Pittsburgh where his brothers T.J. and Derek Watt play.
McNair has already thought about what it will be like seeing his team’s most recognizable player in another uniform.
“It’ll be hard,” he said, “but we’re always proud of J.J. and he’ll always be a Texan.”