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Wisconsin Football: Houston Texans release J.J. Watt

By Christian Borman

Jan 3, 2021; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) talks with quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) after a loss to the Tennessee Titans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2021; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) talks with quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) after a loss to the Tennessee Titans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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Former Wisconsin Badger J.J. Watt has been released by the Houston Texans.

Watt has been the face of the Houston Texans since he was drafted by them in the 2011 NFL Draft. During his time in Houston, J.J. Watt was a pro-bowler five times and was NFL All-Pro five times. He won the AP Defensive Player of the Year award in 2012, 2014, and 2015. He tallied 101 sacks in 128 careers games, placing him 31st on the NFL’s all-time sack list.

It’s no secret the Texans are an absolute mess right now. Their former coach, Bill O’Brien, traded a ton of draft capital away and also their superstar receiver in DeAndre Hopkins. The Texans fired O’Brien during the 2020 season and it was reported that he had lost the locker room.

After O’Brien was fired, rumors that J.J. Watt could be traded began to swirl. In the end, it didn’t end up happening and Watt stayed in Houston for the remainder of the season.

With their backs up against the wall in cap space, draft capital, and an unhappy quarterback, the Texans needed to make some changes. It has been speculated that the J.J. Watt could have played his last snap in Houston. He was owed $17.5 million in the last year of his deal. If he were to be cut, there would be no dead cap counted against the Texans.

This move makes sense for both sides. The Texans need cap space and to start rebuilding. Watt, who I’m sure has no interest in rebuilding, probably wants a chance to win a ring.

Watt released a video on his Twitter account, wanted to be the one to announce his release from the only team he has played for in the NFL.

Now that Watt has been released, he will have a chance to pick where he wants to play. Popular destinations include Pittsburgh, where both of his brothers play, Tampa Bay, who just won a Super Bowl, and Green Bay, his hometown team.

All three teams are in a position to win a ring next year. In his career, Watt has played in just eight playoff games in his 10 year NFL career. After all of his success in the NFL, he deserves a shot at a ring.