Talk about throwing the whole NFL for a cycle. Just what can be seen as minutes after the debunking of a title that claims he listed three NFL teams as finalists in the derby to land him, JJ Watt took matters into his own hands, announcing that he agreed to the terms of a deal with the Arizona Cardinals ̵
His favorite number 99 was not available in the desert when he landed on the tarmac, and for good reason. He was retired from the Cardinals long ago to honor the legendary defensive weapon of midfielder Marshall Goldberg, the Hall of Fame of the College of Football, which made his presence felt, and then for the then Chicago Cardinals after being compiled in 1939, mixing his football career with also serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
Many had already begun trying to figure out what Watt’s new number would be, but it was now official.
The Goldberg family is perfectly fine to remove number 99 from the beams – given who will wear it.
“He has my blessings,” Ellen Goldberg Tulos, daughter of the late Marshall Goldberg, told TMZ Sports. “And I’m sure my father would be more than happy to continue it.”
And here it is, also now confirmed by Watt and the Cardinals. The fact that the Goldberg family gave their blessing is a sign of Watt’s greatness and how he feels will continue the legacy of numbers with the cardinals.
“Well, I know Dad was really respected when his number was withdrawn, but he also always respected the other players,” Tulos said. “And if JJ Watt had number 99 with him for a long time and that meant something to him, I think [my dad would] be content to let him use the number and retire – or whatever the appropriate word is. “
