J.J. Watt's induction into Texans' Ring of Honor was all about family but game was 'weird' since Houston was playing T.J.'s Steelers
Everything in J.J. Watt's football career was done big, on and off the field.
He and Houston also became "family" during his time as one of the NFL's best players and the city's most beloved sons.
It was only natural then that everything about his induction ceremony into the Houston Texans' Ring of Honor, where his name and No. 99 will forever be recognized on the stadium, was done big and with family.
A red carpet was brought out for him. There was the huge No. 99 block numbers to mark his entrance. There were other fellow Texans greats there to greet him.
And if you weren't crying yet, a video tribute that showcased Watt's many highlights narrated by his parents, John and Connie Watt, before the NFL legend was introduced might have done the job.
J.J. Watt's induction into Texans Rings of Honor was 'another milestone' in his career
"A true superstar," his mom said in the video, referencing her son's humanitarian efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey through his foundation.
"I can't imagine another person more deserving to be named to the Texans Ring of Honor," his dad said in the video.
"Another milestone for him and our family," Connie added.
Oh, and did we mention that, as he made his way out to the field, he shared the moment with 11-month-old son Koa in his arms?
It doesn't get any more wholesome than that.
J.J. Watt thankful to be part of Houston Texans family 'forever'
"The emotions that I'm feeling, maybe I'm starting to think I should have wrote something down," Watt said in his speech.
The former University of Wisconsin Badger and Pewaukee native went on to salute the city of Houston, a fan base that initially booed him when he was drafted in 2011 before fully embracing him as one of their own.
"Over the last 12 years, we've been through some incredible highs and some unfortunate lows," said Watt, who was named the NFL's Walter Payton Man of the Year for the 2017 season following his herculean efforts after Hurricane Harvey. "We've always done it as a family."
Just received photos from this weekend.
To everyone who worked so hard to make it all possible and to everyone who showed up to make it so special, I cannot thank you enough.
After a few days of reflection, my thoughts remain the same…
Houston, I love you.
🤘🏼
(photo thread) pic.twitter.com/Czt38kj4XH— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) October 5, 2023
Watt, a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year who retired after last season, added that he met his wife, Kealia, in Houston and that the city treats them "like one of your own."
"I'm incredibly honored and thankful to be part of your family forever," Watt said.
J.J. Watt tells 'The Pat McAfee Show' that game was 'weird' since his brother T.J. Watt was playing the Texans
On Wednesday, during his weekly appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show," Watt described more of what he was feeling last weekend.
"It was incredible to have my entire family there," he said.
He said there was a private dinner for him and his family, which he called "first-class."
"It was really special," Watt added, before acknowledging the difficulty in speaking to 75,000 fans.
"It was incredible to be back in Houston with my entire family..
Every single thing was done first class the whole way and it was really special"@JJWatt #PMSLive #WeAreTexans pic.twitter.com/BPpQA6Sr9o— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) October 4, 2023
Speaking of family, Watt's parents, wife, son and middle brother Derek were seated on the field while J.J. gave his speech.
His youngest brother, T.J., was actually playing the Texans.
How was that for the family watching?
"The box was the weirdest place," Watt said. "Honored by the Texans yet we have blood on the Steelers."
Watt said he knew the camera would be on him during the game after a big play for either team and didn't "know what do with my hands."
The Texans delivered with J.J. in attendance as they rolled over T.J.'s Steelers, 30-6. It was the first time T.J. was held without a sack in a game this season. He's tied for the league lead with six sacks through four games.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: J.J. Watt reacts to being inducted into Houston Texans Ring of Honor