J.J. WATT GRANTED RELEASE FROM HOUSTON TEXANS

The face of the franchise and a beloved member of the Houston community, J.J. Watt, asked for, and was granted his release from the Houston Texans today. In a video released today Watt wanted Texans fans to hear the words directly from him:

"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, I came here 10 years ago as a kid from Wisconsin who'd never really been to Texas before. And now I can't imagine my life without Texas in it. The way that you guys have treated me, besides draft night. I mean, you guys booed me on draft night. But every day after that, you treated me like family. And I truly feel like you're my family.

"...I'm excited and looking forward to a new opportunity, and I've been working extremely hard. But at the same time, it is always tough to move on. And I just want you guys to know that I love you. I appreciate you. I appreciate the McNair family for drafting me and giving me my first opportunity in the NFL."

Watt was drafted by the Texans 11th overall in the 2011 NFL draft. He is one of the best defensive players to have played for the Texans. He has compiled 101 career sacks (most in team history, since 2002) and was named NFL Defensive Player of the Years three years in a row, 2012-2015. Watt had one year remaining on his current contract he signed in 2014.  Watt also raised more than $37-million for the Houston community following Hurricane Harvey.  He is now free to sign with any team he chooses.