Texans release star defensive end JJ Watt after 10 seasons

It’s the end of an era in Houston.

The Houston Texans surprised the football world on Friday, releasing star defensive end JJ Watt after a 10-year tenure with the franchise.

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.” said Watt in a video posted to Twitter.

The 31-year old, who was selected 11th overall in the 2011 NFL Draft, has stacked up the accolades throughout his career. He is a 3× NFL Defensive Player of the Year, 5x Pro Bowler and First-Team All-Pro, and 2x NFL sacks leader.

He has amassed 531 combined tackles, 101.0 sacks, 16 fumble recoveries and three touchdowns over 128 games.