J.J. Watt, Houston Texans. (Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports)
J.J. Watt revealed he will be wearing his usual number as a member of the Arizona Cardinals.
J.J. Watt deciding to sign with the Arizona Cardinals was a bit of a shock to the NFL world. He received a nice two-year deal and is in the honeymoon phase of meeting everyone within the franchise.
The Cardinals have a long and storied history and that includes time as the Chicago Cardinals. Marshall Goldberg was a legend in Chicago back in the 1940s and had his No. 99 retired by the organization. Of course, that is Watt’s number.
It turns out Watt reached out to Goldberg’s family and got permission to wear the retired number.
J.J. Watt remains No. 99 in Arizona
Watt reached out to Goldberg’s daughter, Ellen, and got her blessing to wear the number. He also reportedly asked her if there was a charity he could donate to in honor of her late father.
Some fans are going to be upset with a jersey being unretired. However, Watt did the right thing in asking for the blessing and ultimately this should not end up being a big deal. He went about it the right way and no one actually involved in the situation is anything other than happy.
Seeing Watt talking to Chandler Jones should make this feel that much more real for Cardinals fans. This is a team with plenty of potential and young talent that has not been to the postseason since 2015.
Watt’s deal is for two years and is worth $31 million with $23 million guaranteed. He now joins former teammate DeAndre Hopkins in Arizona as the two look to shake off the dysfunction of years in Houston. All Texans fans can do is watch in frustration as Arizona appears to be the new spot for star homegrown Houston talent.