J.J. Watt "Humbled And Honored" To Wear Cardinals' Retired No. 99

After J.J. Watt recently signed with the Arizona Cardinals, a name change seemed certain.

The defensive end sported the number 99 on his back throughout his entire college career at Wisconsin and his professional career with the Houston Texans, reported Arizona Sports.

When he left the Texans and signed with the Cardinals, the number change seemed inevitable as the Cardinals franchise retired the number 99 jersey under Marshall Goldberg's name.

Goldberg was a four-time All-pro who played halfback and defensive back for the then-Chicago Cardinals from 1939-1943 and 1946-1948. A stint in the US Navy split those years.

Goldberg's daughter, however, reached out to give Watt her family's blessing in wearing the number.

Ellen Goldberg Tullos told TMS Sports, "He has my blessings and I’m sure my father would be more than delighted for him to carry it on."

She explained that her father was proud to have the number retired, but he always respected his fellow players.

"Well, I know dad was really honored when they retired his number but also he’s always respected other players," Tullos explained. "And, if J.J. Watt had the number 99 with him for a long time and it meant something to him, I think he’d be delighted to let him use the number and unretire or whatever the proper word would be."

Watt reached out to Tullos to hear her confirmation in person. He stated, "And so I wanted to hear it from her directly, I wanted to make sure and confirm that. And we had a great conversation."

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