J.J. Watt vows to make Texans fans proud, says recovery time is 'necessary'

J.J. Watt has won three Defensive Player of the Year awards, made four Pro Bowls and is a four-time first-team All-Pro. He’s done all of that in just over five seasons, having never missed a game in his career.

His ironman streak of 83 consecutive starts has come to an end, though, as he was placed on injured reserve Wednesday. The designation will sideline him for at least eight weeks.

After the Texans announced the move, Watt issued a statement on Twitter, thanking fans for their support and saying his time away from the field is “necessary.”

The Texans signed Antonio Smith after placing Watt on injured reserve Wednesday.