Danielle Hunter Won't Ask to Wear J.J. Watt's No. 99 Texans Jersey After FA Contract

Four-time Pro Bowl defensive end Danielle Hunter isn't planning on wearing J.J. Watt's number 99 jersey with the Houston Texans due to his reverence for the franchise icon.

"Man, 99, that's JJ's number," Hunter said, via Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk. "He's done a lot with that number. I'm not going to mess with it. To be able to do what he's done with that number for the community and the Texans, I'll just leave that number to him. So I've decided to possibly go with No. 55."

Hunter wore 99 during the first eight years of his career with the Minnesota Vikings. He signed with the Texans as a free agent on Tuesday, inking a two-year deal worth $49 million which includes $48 million guaranteed.

The 29-year-old will attempt to help Houston build upon its surprising 2023 campaign led by Offensive Rookie of the Year C.J. Stroud. Hunter is coming off a career year with Minnesota, recording 16.5 sacks in 17 starts while his 23 tackles for loss tied with Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby for the highest mark in the NFL.

Although Watt's No. 99 hasn't officially been retired by the organization, no other player has worn it since he left the team after the 2020 season. He's one of the most dominant defensive lineman in the league's history, winning three Defensive Player of the Year awards from 2012 through 2015.

While he doesn't qualify just yet, Watt is essentially a lock to make the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Hunter is endearing himself to Texans fans already by paying respect to a franchise legend.