J.J. Watt Shares Love Letter To Houston In Full-Page Newspaper Ad Ahead Of Texans Ring Ceremony

“All I’ve wanted to do is make you proud.”

Texans legend J.J. Watt took out a full-page ad in Wednesday’s Houston Chronicle thanking fans ahead of his induction into his former team’s Ring of Honor Sunday.

Watt, 34, recalled receiving “boos” from the team's fans when he was drafted in 2011. Though he’d never been to Houston before, he recalled approaching this new chapter in a strange city as a “challenge” and an “opportunity to change some peoples’ minds.”

“From the first moment I stepped off that plane in Houston 12 years ago to this moment, as you’re reading this right now, all I’ve wanted to do is make you proud,” he wrote. “I knew it wouldn’t be easy. I knew it was going to take a lot of work. I knew I would have to put in the effort to earn your trust, to learn your history, to appreciate what makes this city so special.”

“Thankfully, I had an abundance of incredible people to help me do that,” Watt continued. “From teammates and coaches to trainers, equipment staff, cafeteria workers, Houston legends, athletes, artists, media members, restaurant workers, and everyone in between. This city welcomed me as one of their own. YOU welcomed me as one of your own.”

“We’ve been through a lot together. Some incredible highs and some horrific lows, but we always did it together.

“Twelve years ago, when I stepped off that plane, I wasn’t entirely sure what [lay] ahead. Today, every single time I step off a plane in Houston, I feel one thing… Houston is family. Forever.

“I love you H-Town,” he concluded. “And I can’t wait to see you on Sunday.”

A Wisconsin native, Watt spent 10 seasons as a defensive end for the Houston Texans. During that time, he was a three-time Defensive Player of the Year, five-time Pro Bowl selection, and five-time First-Team All-Pro. He also famously raised more than $37 million to help Houston recover from Hurricane Harvey.

Watt left the Texans to play for the Arizona Cardinals in 2021. He retired from the NFL at the end of the 2022 season

Watt will be inducted into the Texans Ring of Honor ceremony during half-time at Sunday's game against the Steelers at NRG Stadium. The game will air on CBS beginning at noon.

Congratulations, J.J., and welcome home.

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