On Wednesday, the Houston Texans and Johnathan Joseph agreed to part ways, meaning that the cornerback will become a free agent next week.
Following the announcement, Texans defensive lineman J.J. Watt took to Twitter to share his feelings on his now-former teammate, saying that Joseph “embodies what it means to be a pro” and that he will “always be a legend” in Watt's mind:
Embodies what it means to “Be a Pro”
Great player, great teammate, great friend.
Will always be a legend to me @JJOE2424 https://t.co/iyY18sgd4P
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) March 11, 2020
Joseph, who played his collegiate football at the University of South Carolina, was originally selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the first round (24th pick overall) of the 2006 NFL Draft.
He spent the first five years of his career with the Bengals, with his best season in Cincinnati coming in 2009 when he totaled 70 tackles, six interceptions, 20 passes defended and a defensive touchdown.
The 35-year-old signed with Houston in 2011 and had been a member of the Texans from then until now.
Joseph's first year in Houston was a smashing success, as he played in 15 games and registered 44 tackles, four interceptions, a forced fumble and 15 passes defended, making his first Pro Bowl.
The Rock Hill, S.C. native then made his second straight Pro Bowl appearance in 2012, finishing with 57 tackles, a couple of picks, 10 passes defended and a defensive score.
Joseph has not earned any more Pro Bowl selections since, but he remained a steady presence in the Texans' secondary and only missed 11 games since initially joining Houston.
The veteran is coming off a 2019 campaign in which he appeared in 14 contests and recorded 51 tackles, an interception and 13 passes defended.
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