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It has happened.
JJ Watt’s release by the Texans became official at 4 p.m. ET 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. It will take some getting used to seeing Watt in the jersey of another team.
Watt and the Texans announced his departure from the squad earlier in the day.
Watt, who turns 32 next month, finished his 10 seasons in Houston with three Defensive Player of the Year honors, Walter Payton Man of the Year, 101 sacks and three touchdowns. The Texans will no doubt honor him in one way or another, and Watt will no doubt make it to the Pro Football Hall of Fame one day.
However, that will come at a later date, after his career has ended. Watt still has some bags to do and, he hopes, a ring to win.