TEXANS AGREE TO RELEASE WATT

The Houston Texans are parting with all-pro defensive end J.J. Watt, pictured, after he asked for his release. The team announced the decision on Friday after Watt posted the news in a video on social media. Watt can sign as a free agent with another team when the new NFL season begins next month. Watt will leave a legacy in Houston. In 10 seasons with the franchise, he was named NFL defensive player of the year three times, was a first-team all-pro five times and won the Walter Payton man of the year award in 2017 after raising more than US$37 million for victims of Hurricane Harvey. He is the team’s all-time leader in sacks with 101, tackles for loss (172), quarterback hits (282) and forced fumbles (25). He has 531 career tackles, 61 passes defenced and 16 fumble recoveries since the Texans made him the No. 11 overall selection in 2011. Watt was entering the final year of a six-year, $100-million contract extension he signed in 2014 and was due to earn $17.5 million.