HOUSTON, Texas — Houston Texans defensive lineman J.J. Watt and the team have agreed on a release.
Watt released the information in a video released Friday morning.
Houston, I wanted you to hear this directly from me... pic.twitter.com/YqT3P6Lb6l
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) February 12, 2021
Watt confirmed that he sat down with Houston owner Cal McNair, asked for his release and the sides agreed to part ways.
Watt, who turns 32 on March 22, received the NFL Defensive Player of the Year three times in his first five seasons. He was a first-round draft pick of the Texans in 2011.
In 2014, Watt became the first player in NFL history to notch two seasons with at least 20 sacks during his career. He holds the franchise record for sacks and forced fumbles.
Throughout the 2020 season, Watt became more vocal about his disappointment in the direction of the franchise. The Texans finished with a 4-12 record and Bill O'Brien was fired after an 0-4 start.
"I wanted to do this on video, as opposed to putting out a statement or doing a press conference or anything like that, because I want you guys to hear it directly from me. I want to speak directly to you and the city of Houston, so you can hear the words straight from my mouth. 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 a video he posted on Twitter.
We'll have more on this breaking story later.
