JJ Watt has carried number 99 since making waves as a collegiate defensive end for Wisconsin and thereafter through his 10-year tenure with the Houston Texans.
Since he agreed with the Arizona Cardinals on Monday, it was unclear whether he would be no. 99 could carry, as the organization retired from the team after Marshall Goldberg’s stellar career.
Goldberg played for the team then called the Chicago Cardinals. He was a fullback and a halfback for the team and raced between 1939 and 1948 for 1,644 yards and 11 touchdowns. He was a one-time NFL champion and a one-time Pro Bowler.
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Goldberg’s daughter Ellen Goldberg Tullos told TMZ Sports it would be no problem for the Cardinals to withdraw the number 99 for Watt.
“He has my blessings and I’m sure my father will be very happy to keep them going,” she said.
“Well, I know Dad was really honored when they retired his number, but also that he always respected other players. And if JJ Watt had the number 99 with him for a long time and it meant something to him, I think he would be glad to have him use the number and the withdrawal or whatever the correct word is. ‘
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She added that she thought her father would be “happy” that Watt was carrying his number.
According to several reports, Watt has agreed to a two-year deal worth $ 31 million. The start date of the NFL Free Agency in 2021 is March 17 and the legal toddler period begins on March 15.
He announced his signature on Twitter.
Watt finished his 10th season with the Texans and played for all 16 games for the second time in five seasons. He recorded 52 total tackles, five pockets and an interception returned for a touchdown.
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He was released last month and has since posted photos of himself preparing for the 2021 season.