Fans and celebrities react to JJ Watt's split from the Texans

Friday, February 12, 2021
Fans react to JJ Watt's departure from the Texans
WATCH: Many fans on Twitter are hopeful Watt will join his brothers in Pittsburgh, others say they are in tears over the news. ABC13's TJ Parker talked to fans as soon as the news broke.

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- As you can imagine, the news that J.J. Watt is leaving the Houston Texans after a decade with the team is heartbreaking for fans.

The face of the Houston Texans since 2011, Watt took to Twitter on Friday morning, saying he's leaving the team, the only one in the NFL he has ever played for.

"J.J. Watt is a die-hard Texan, all everyday, so for him to be released, it's just unfair. So the front office needs to be changed. Something needs to be changed," Texans fan Trevoy said. "I was really hoping for him to stay."

ORIGINAL STORY: JJ Watt announces he's leaving the Houston Texans

In a two minute video released Friday, Watt talked about how special Houston has been to him, and explained his feeling that it was time to move on.

In his announcement video, Watt talks about being a kid from Wisconsin who had never been to Texas before. He also took time to thank the city and his fans for the 10 years he's been here.

"I seen it so I was shocked. I'm sending it to everybody, all my friends. It's really sad," Trevoy said.

Fans are left wondering what's next for Watt and the Texans.

"Basketball, now football, what is Houston going to do now?" Joyce, another Texans fan, asked. "We won't be winning any more games."

"As far as being contenders to be in the playoffs or championship, something like that, I don't think that's going to happen anytime soon," Trevoy said. "Sorry, Texans fans. I'm a Texans fan too. It's not going to happen."

JJ'S LEGACY: JJ Watt no longer a Texan, but proud legacy in Houston cemented

Over on Twitter, there were many fans hopeful Watt would end up with the Pittsburgh Steelers, playing with his brothers T.J. and Derek.

Other fans wished Watt the best, thanking him for his time in Houston.

Along with fans, many fellow athletes and familiar faces also reacted to the news on social media.

Kealia Ohai Watt, professional soccer player and wife to the now-former Texan, tweeted that she "can't wait for what's next."

Texans' Justin Reid thanked Watt for being a leader for the team.

Wisconsin Football, where Watt played in college, reminded the star he technically still has one year of eligibility left in his home state.

T.J. appeared to welcome Watt to the Steelers with a meme of Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson.

The Texans themselves thanked Watt for his long career with the team. Honoring him with a video highlighting his time as a Texan.

Follow TJ Parker on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.