John Clayton, ESPN Senior Writer 17y

Linebacker Wong, original Texan, walks away

NFL, Houston Texans

Kailee Wong loves the game of football, but he wants to play it the way that works for him.

When the Texans came to him with an attractive offer to remain with the team as a backup, Wong said, "No." The linebacker would rather lose his job than stay in Houston as a well-paid second stringer. Because of his decision, the Texans will release him Thursday.

It's not out of the question for Wong to play for another team if the situation is right. He's not filing his retirement papers in the near future. Still, if the situation isn't right, Wong may not play again.

"I've had a good experience here in Houston," Wong said in a
statement. "I'm very fond of this place with its fans. I am very
honored to be one of the few Texans that have been here since the
beginning and been a part of the franchise."

Wong was scheduled to make $2.405 million this season. Because he's 30 years old and entering his 10th season, the Texans wanted to get younger at the position, but they still wanted Wong to stay around for his leadership. The role didn't fit Wong's desires even though the money might have been attractive. Having made enough money during his career, Wong opted to be released and take his chances.

Earlier on Wednesday, The Associated Press reported that Wong had decided to retire.

Wong's 15 sacks in Houston are a team record and he ranks fourth
in tackles with 327 as a Texan.

Texans general manager Rick Smith said Wong had discussed the
possibility of retiring for several months, but they hoped he would
play again for Houston.

"It was absolutely his decision," Smith said. "He's meant a
lot to this organization and ... we certainly wanted to give him
every opportunity to be a part of this."

The 30-year-old appeared in 10 games last season after missing
more than a year following knee surgery.

"Ultimately, I love this team," Wong said. "My decision has
nothing to do with the organization. It truly is a personal
decision."

Wong, who was a second-round pick out of Stanford in 1998, had
12 tackles in 2007.

"It's been a really tough day for me because that kid's
special," coach Gary Kubiak said. "That's a big loss. I was
really counting on him being part of our football team."

Wong spent his first four seasons in Minnesota where he had a
career-high 112 tackles in 2000. His best season with the Texans
came in 2004 when he had 71 tackles, 5½ sacks and three
interceptions.

"I wish I could have left this place where we had already been
in the playoffs, but I do believe that this coaching staff under
coach Kubiak and this team is going to bring the playoffs to this
town," Wong said. "I'm remorseful that I'm not going to be part
of it, but with where I'm at, it's best for me to move on."

In his career, Wong has 652 tackles, 21½ sacks and six
interceptions.

John Clayton is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com. Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

^ Back to Top ^