TEMPE (Ariz.) -- Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman J.J. Watt will be reminded this Sunday of the memories he made with his former team during 10 seasons, including the playoff wins and the banners for the AFC South hanging in NRG Stadium.
However, that's when the emotions of facing the team he played for up to this season will come to an end.
Watt stated Thursday that there is "apparently something more to it." Watt said that he doesn't believe it's as simple as people think. He pointed out that the roster has been so heavily rearranged that only a few of the players that I knew are still there last year.
It's not like I want to beat my old team or "Oh, I can't believe I'm going to face this guy," because it isn't the same team. It's not the same team that I used to be a part of.
Watt spoke out to Houston media Thursday morning, saying that Watt was asking for his release from Houston in February. Watt stated that he expected Houston's roster would be changed like it was. He also said that he didn't care about the failures that have resulted.
He said he doesn't even recognize the roster anymore.
Watt stated, "There are so many guys that I don't even know."
Watt is disappointed to see the Texans in such disarray after 10 seasons and four division titles. Watt also won three Defensive Player awards and was named 2017 NFL Walter Payton Man-of-the Year.
Watt stated, "That's why I hurt to see it where it is now. Because I believe that those fans deserve those high times, to be experiencing those great memories, and it hurts that they aren't and that they're struggling." Watt said, "So, I wish that they get back to that point at some point. I hope they get that chance because I know it's an incredible place to play when your rolling."
Watt stated that once the game begins Sunday, it will be exactly like any other game. The Cardinals are looking to improve their 6-0 record and have a short week before they host the Green Bay Packers on Thursday Night Football.
Watt hasn’t given up on his "thousands and pieces" of Texans gear. It sounds like he won't. He smiled and said that he thought about how many people in Pewaukee (his hometown) may be wearing Texans clothes. He said that this is starting to change to Cardinals red.
Watt stated, "It's not like my Houston stuff was just thrown away."
Watt confirmed that he does have "a few big friends" who can fit in his clothes.
Watt stated that it will be different to see the Texans' red, white, and blue uniforms across from him at State Farm Stadium Sunday. It'll be just like watching film over the past week.
Watt stated, "When I turn the film this week, and I watch them play, and you see NRG Stadium, I have been looking at that film for 10 years and I've been following the team in blue, white, and it's all I can see." Watt said, "Now I'm looking at it from another perspective, and I'm studying these guys, so it's, it's definitely different." "But I don’t think I’m going to forget which man I’m supposed to tackle, if you’re wondering."
This report was contributed by Sarah Barshop, ESPN Texans reporter.
