On the day his expected release became official, former Texans running back Arian Foster took to social media to write a thank you letter to the city of Houston.
“I’ve got 7 years of beautiful memories with teammates, staff and coaches I’ll never forget,” Foster wrote. “Thank you all for being a part of this journey. People that I call friends and brothers have all contributed to the success of what we did on the field, and also to the person that I am off. With everything in me, I love and respect the men and women you are. You are a part of me for good.
“And to the city of Houston, I genuinely appreciate every ounce of love I’ve ever gotten.”
An undrafted rookie elevated off the practice squad during the 2009 season, Foster, 29, went to four Pro Bowls and led the NFL in rushing in 2010.
“In 2009 I flew to Houston with every piece of clothing I owned,” Foster wrote in his Instagram letter, “and told my mother I wasn’t coming home.”
The Texans released Foster with a failed physical designation. Injuries limited him to just four games last season, and he was due to make $6.5 million and carry a salary-cap number of almost $9 million in 2016.