Three-time defensive player of the year J.J. Watt said Friday that he asked the Houston Texans to release him, and they have mutually agreed to part ways.
Watt made the announcement in a video on his Twitter account.
“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.
Watt has played with the Texans for his entire NFL career after he was selected by Houston in the first round of the 2011 NFL draft. Last season, Watt had 32 tackles, five sacks, one interception and a 19-yard touchdown.
The 31-year-old reminisced on his 10-year career in Houston in his video announcement, saying Texans fans have treated him like family for his entire career—other than being booed on draft night.
“I came here 10 years ago as a kid from Wisconsin who had never really been to Texas before. And now I can’t imagine my life without Texas in it,” Watt said.
“The City of Houston has been unbelievable to me.”
The three-time AP Defensive Player of the Year will turn 32 in March. He would have entered the final year of his contract with the Texans—worth $17.5 million—before Friday’s announcement.
“I’m excited and looking forward to a new opportunity and I’ve been working extremely hard, but at the same time it’s always tough to move on.”
