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It’s done.
The Texans’ release of JJ Watt became official at 4 pm Eastern Time, when his name appeared on the league’s transaction report.
Watt’s departure will be similar to Tom Brady leaving the Patriots, Emmitt Smith leaving the Cowboys, Earl Campbell leaving the Oilers and Andre Johnson leaving the Texans. Seeing Watt in another team’s jersey will take some getting used to.
Watt and the Texans announced their departure from the team earlier in the day.
Watt, who turns 32 next month, ended his 10 seasons in Houston with three Defensive Player of the Year awards, Walter Payton as Man of the Year, 101 sacks and three touchdowns. The Texans will undoubtedly honor him in some way, and Watt will undoubtedly be part of the Professional Football Hall of Fame one day.
This will come later, however, after your career is over. Watt still has a few bags to make and, he hopes, a ring to win.