Houston Texans release star defensive end J.J. Watt
HOUSTON, Texas -- The Houston Texans have parted ways with three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year J.J. Watt.
ESPN reported that Watt had asked to be released. He had one year remaining on a 6-year, $100 million contract.
The star defensive end was drafted with the 11th overall pick by the Texans in 2011 and has spent his entire career with Houston.
He posted a video on social media Friday explaining his decision.
“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... Thank you, Houston.”
Houston, I wanted you to hear this directly from me... pic.twitter.com/YqT3P6Lb6l
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) February 12, 2021
The move comes after the Texans, a playoff team in 2019, finished 4-12 this past season.
Watt’s departure also 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 the team opened the season 0-4. They’re also facing uncertainty at quarterback after star Deshaun Watson requested a trade.
"Change is never easy, especially when it involves the ones you love,” team owner Cal McNair said. “J.J.’s impact on not only our organization, but the entire Houston community, is unlike any player in our franchise’s history."
Along with his contributions on the field, Watt was lauded for his humanitarian efforts after raising more than $40 million for Hurricane Harvey relief in 2017.
(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
