It was the own wish of J.J. Watt to be released from Houston Texans after a decade.
However, the 31-year old tight end who spent his entire NFL career with the franchise is leaving behind some emotional words for the dressing room where he spent the ten long years.
Thank you, Houston: An emotional J.J. Watt bids adieu to Texans
On Friday, J.J. Watt took to Twitter to speak his heart out in a two-minute clip, revealing that his exit was mutually accepted and also showing his courtesy towards the Texans supporters.
“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 in the clip.
“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,” the 2011 first round draft pick went on, “I want to thank the McNair family for drafting me and giving me my first opportunity in the NFL. Thank you, Houston.”
Touted as the greatest defensive player in the history of the league, Watt made a total of 128 appearances for the Texans, clocking 531 tackles and set franchise records with 101.0 sacks, 172 tackles for loss, 281 quarterback hits, and 25 forced fumbles. He was named NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year three times and is a five time Pro Bowler.
“J.J.’s impact on not only our organization, but the entire Houston community, is unlike any player in our franchise’s history,” Cal McNair, the franchise CEO and chairman said in an official statement released by the Texans.
“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,” McNair added.
While Watt leaves behind the Texans dressing room, the team has welcomed Baltimore Ravens assistant head coach David Culley on the helm, after firing Bill O’Brien on 5th October last year after a six-year tenure at Houston.
