July 1, 2002

NORMAN, Okla. (AP) - Rep. J.C. Watts of Oklahoma, a former star quarterback at Oklahoma and the only black Republican in Congress, said Monday he will retire at the end of his term.

Watts, 44, was first elected to the House in 1994. He joined the leadership four years ago, in the fourth-ranking position of chairman of the House Republican Conference.

His departure could give Democrats an opportunity to pick up a seat in the battle for control of the House this fall.

At a news conference in Norman, the fourth-ranking GOP leader in the House said it's time to "return home."

It's been "a wonderful ride," he said. Watts said even though the work of the nation is never done, his work in the House is complete.

Watts started two seasons for Oklahoma, which he led to a pair of Orange Bowl wins (1980, '81) and never started a losing game in Big Eight Conference play (15-0). He rushed for 1,322 yards on 328 carries and 34 touchdowns during his career, and passed for 1,917 yards and eight touchdowns while running the wishbone offense.

Watts' fellow Republicans -- including President Bush -- had called on Watts to stay. Watts said he didn't arrive at his decision easily.

Watts has complained about not getting enough of a say among GOP leaders, and was angered by a recent White House decision to cancel a major weapons system that was to have been produced in his district.