As the free agency opened on March 12, Houston woke up to a shock. Their longest-tenured long snapper, Jon Weeks, had moved on after 15 years with the side. He signed a 1-year, 1.4 million deal with $200k guaranteed with the 49ers. No one had anticipated this. But it was time to move on.
He went unsigned in the 2008 draft and even had a tryout with the Lions in minicamp. In 2010, he got his chance at the Texans and made it his home. It was the start of a long journey. In those 15 years, he made it to the Pro Bowl once in 2015. But his teammates recognized his abilities and marveled at his determination and courage.
DE JJ Watt played alongside Jon Weeks from 2011 to 2020. When the news reached him, he couldn’t contain his feelings and posted a powerful message for his long snapper. He commented on a Texans IG post, “What a run. #Legend” Wait, it didn’t end there. Their bond was special. So, he came in with more emotions.
Watt shared the news in his IG story and wrote, “A pillar of consistency, determination, and excellence at his craft. Hell of a run in H-Town. Hell of a run. ” It was his way of thanking Weeks for his years of service as a team captain and a dedicated player, helping others to reach their true potential. The LS was there when the team first qualified for the postseason in 2011.
In 2018, he created the franchise record of playing in most consecutive games, 129. That’s incredible. In 2023, the Texans also paid respect to the athlete by nominating him for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Honor. However, they want the team to move in a new direction with younger players. And the 39-year-old didn’t fit that.
The fans were heartbroken after seeing him go to the Niners. They wanted more respect for their longest-tenured player.
Fans mourn Jon Weeks leaving the Texans
It was silence in the H-Town. Fans believed that the long snapper would retire as the franchise player. But that didn’t happen. One fan kept it short but revealed every feeling in 3 words: “Heart-breaking news .” The decision has come when the Texans are in a rebuild. HC DeMeco Ryans wants to win the Super Bowl.
However, the fans were angry about Jon Weeks. One fan called the franchise out for their decision and replied, “Worst decision the Texans have ever made.” Others even called it a danger signal for other players who were seeing a long-term future at the franchise. One person wrote, “Texas organization have 0 loyalty change my mind,” questioning the loyalty to their players.
Aug 9, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Houston Texans long snapper Jon Weeks (46) against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Looks like the trade will have more repercussions for the team as the fanbase could turn on them. A few supporters targeted the GM Nick Cesario, for not making any deal and letting him sign a new contract as a free agent. But there was someone who couldn’t get over the news and said, “I will never forgive y’all for this.” But Jon Weeks’s departure pained many, as one of them wrote, “I really can’t believe we let him go like wtf ” Emotions are bound to be there. With Weeks as their long snapper, the Texans made it to the playoffs for 8 seasons since 2010.
There were many who paid their respect and requested the franchise to give him the Ring of Honor. They even wanted the jersey to retire. But as we move closer to the draft, the team is changing every day.
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