On Friday, the Houston Texans have released defensive end JJ Watt after ten seasons with the team. Watt confirmed his release on Twitter in a heartfelt video on Twitter.
The 31-year-old from Pewaukee, WI, was the Texans’ first-round pick in 2011 after attending college at Wisconsin. During college, Watt earned first-team All-American and first-team All-Big Ten and won the Lott Trophy in 2010. The Lott Trophy recognizes players as college football’s defensive best in character and performance.
In his ten seasons with the Texans, Watt played 128 games with 101 sacks, two interceptions that were returned for touchdowns, 25 force fumbles, 282 quarterback hits, 531 combined tackles, 409 solo tackles, and caught three touchdowns.
His numbers have earned him numerous awards, including being selected to the Pro Bowl and First-team All-Pro five times, three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year (2012, 2014, 2015), two-time NFL sack leader (2012, 2015), the Bert Bell Award (2014), Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year (2017), Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year (2017), and the Sporting News 2010s All-Decade Team.
Watt was more than a figure in sports; his most significant accomplishments have happened off the field. He founded the Justin J. Watt Foundation, a charity organization that provides after-school opportunities for children in various communities to help them get involved in sports. In 2017, he donated $100,000 of his own money to help the victims of Hurricane Harvey.
Former President of the United States Abraham Lincoln once said, “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.” Watt has used his power to help others in need, and there is no question that once his playing career is over, he will be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
