VIDEO: J.J. Watt says he asked Texans for his release

All-Pro defensive end J.J. Watt says he asked the Houston Texans for his release.

In a video the three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year tweeted on Friday morning, Watt explained that he asked for his release from the AFC South club after having a talk with the McNair family earlier in the week.

Watt made a video because he wanted to speak directly to the fans.

“I want to do this on video as opposed to putting out a statement or doing a press conference or anything like that,” Watt said in the video. “Because I want you guys to hear directly from me. I want to speak directly to you and the city of Houston so that you can hear the words straight from my mouth.

“I have sat down with the McNair family and I have asked them for my release, and we have mutually agreed to part ways at this time.”

The former 2011 first-round pick from Wisconsin explained to the city of Houston how meaningful they have been to him over the past 10 years.

“I came here 10 years ago as a kid from Wisconsin who had never really been to Texas before,” said Watt. “And, now, I can’t imagine my life without Texas in it. The way that you guys have treated me, besides draft night. You guys booed me on draft night. But every day after that, you treated me like family. And I truly feel like you’re my family. Since that day, I have tried to do everything in my power to work and earn your respect and try to make you proud on and off the field. You guys have given me everything and more, and I can only hope that you feel that I’ve given you everything I have.”

Houston has also been a place where, for Watt, he has met lifelong connections, especially that with his wife, Kealia Ohai.

Said Watt: “The city of Houston has been unbelievable to me. It’s where I met my wife. It’s where I’ve met lifelong friends and teammates. I’ve had incredible coaches and training staff and equipment staff and cafeteria workers and the weight room staff and the front office people — people in streets, people in restaurants, grocery stores, and showing up at my house. The connection is special, and I will never, ever take that for granted because I know how rare it is.”

Watt, who will be 32 on March 22, says he is now getting ready for a new opportunity in a new NFL city, but not without always having gratitude for the city of Houston and Texans fans.

“I’m excited and looking forward to a new opportunity, and I’ve been working extremely hard,” said Watt. “But at the same time, it is always tough to move on. I just want you guys to know that I love you, I appreciate you, I appreciate the McNair family for giving me — drafting me, giving me my first opportunity in the NFL.

“Thank you, Houston. I love you.”