J.J. Watt
It’s the end of an era in Houston, as Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt and the team have decided to mutually part ways. Watt shared the news via video on Twitter this morning.
Watt was the 11th pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, and in his 10 years with the Texans, he was a three-time Defensive Player of the Year and five-time All Pro. This past season, Watt recorded five sacks, 14 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles and an interception, which was a Thanksgiving Day pick-six.
The 2017 Walter Payton Man of the Year also brings incredible leadership to the locker room and the community. Of the 31 other NFL teams, one of them is going to be very lucky to have him.
The Pounceys Retire
The twins that play together, retire together. Twin brothers and centers, Maurkice Pouncey (Pittsburgh Steelers) and Mike Pouncey (Los Angeles Chargers) are retiring from the NFL. Former Steeler Ramon Foster broke the news on Twitter this morning on behalf of both Pounceys. Twitter had the quite the morning!
Maurkice was the 18th overall pick in the 2010 Draft, while Mike was the 15th in 2011. “We began this journey at 6 years old and now at 31 we will close this chapter of our lives…” Mike Pouncey said in a statement.
Maurkice played 11 seasons with the Steelers, while Mike spent 10 seasons in the NFL, playing with the Miami Dolphins and the Chargers. Congratulations on two incredible careers!
It’s my honor that my brothers from another asked me to announce the next stage in their life. After over a decade @MaurkicePouncey and Mike Pouncey are RETIRING from the @nfl 🤝. Below are their memos to thank those involved in their careers. #Steeler #chargers #Miami #NFL pic.twitter.com/v9IALOrZaX
— Ramon Foster (@RamonFoster) February 12, 2021
The NBA, the Mavericks and the National Anthem
The Dallas Mavericks had not played the National Anthem for any of their preseason or regular season home games at American Airlines Center this season. On Wednesday, the NBA released a statement that all teams will play the anthem.
Mavericks owner Mark Cuban told ESPN’s Rachel Nichols, “In listening to the community, there were quite a few people who voiced their concerns, really their fears that the national anthem did not fully represent them, that their voices were not being heard. So, we’ve had a lot of conversations about whether or not we should play the anthem…”
The NBA does require that all players stand for the anthem, but the rule has not been enforced.
“I recognize that this is a very emotional issue on both sides of the equation in America right now, and I think it calls for real engagement rather than rule enforcement,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said late last year.
Major League Baseball
Friends, it is almost one of the most wonderful times of the year, and by that, I mean baseball season! With pitchers and catchers reporting to spring training this coming Wednesday – I AM SO EXCITED – the season is so close, I can taste the hot dogs now.
Spring training will look a little different for the Grapefruit League (teams training in Florida), as travel has been cut in an effort to keep everyone safe amid the coronavirus pandemic. Split-squad games are no more, and Florida-based teams have the option to get dressed at their own ballparks and travel in uniform. Grapefruit League teams also have been broken up into three groups for shorter bus rides.
Exhibition games will be Feb. 28 and the season begins April 1. Buy your peanuts. Buy your cracker jack and play ball.
Trevor Lawrence
Since he is scheduled to undergo surgery to repair damage to the labrum in his non-throwing (left) shoulder, Clemson quarterback and presumptive #1 Draft pick Trevor Lawrence held his Pro Day today.
Per ESPN, representatives from 17 NFL teams were in attendance, including Jacksonville Jaguars’ head coach Urban Meyer. Meyer and the Jags hold the first pack in the 2021 NFL Draft. I think we all see where this is going.
Lawrence believes he will be able to begin throwing six to eight weeks post-surgery, and he believes it will take four to five months to be fully cleared.
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