JJ Watt’s Historic Career and Impact

Widely considered one of the best defensive players in NFL history, 3x NFL Defensive Player of the Year (2012, 2014, and 2015), and Sports Illustrated 2017 Sportsman of the Year, 33-year-old Justin James Watt has announced he will be retiring following the 2022 season. 

After playing for Central Michigan and Wisconsin in college, Watt showed immediate signs of talent as a rookie in 2011 after being drafted 11th overall by the Houston Texans. Nicknamed JJ “Swat” for his intrinsic ability to knock passes out of the air at the line of scrimmage. Watt is also ranked at No. 25 of all time in sacks, with an astounding 112.5. From 2012 until 2016, Watt recorded 190 quarterback hits, 15 forced fumbles, 69 sacks, and three impressive defensive touchdowns. 

Even after receiving surgery and being benched for two seasons, Watt never backed down or lost his spirit. He led the NFL with seven forced fumbles in his return during the 2018 season. Following 2020, Watt joined the Arizona Cardinals and navigated more injuries while still proving himself as a dominant and honorable player. Although the 2022 season has been a letdown for the Cardinals, reaching a 4-13 record and not making the playoffs, Watt’s NFL career has had an amazing impact on the franchise and league, inspiring many to pick up a football and never stop trying.

Apart from his incredible accomplishments on the field, Watt is also a compassionate leader off the field. When Hurricane Harvey hit Houston in 2017, Watt raised a remarkable $37 million in 19 days to help aid his host city. That same year he won the Walter Payton Man of the Year award. 

Watt just welcomed a baby boy with his wife and fellow athlete, Kealia Ohai Watt, and he announced that his heart is filled with “…nothing but love and gratitude”. He states, “It’s been an honor and a pleasure.” 

After his announcement, Watt played in two more games, one against the Atlanta Falcons (lost 19-20) and one against the San Francisco 49ers (lost 13-38). His historic 12-year career is expected to be honored in 2028, as many predict he will be the first-ever Houston Texan to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Until then, many will remember his time in the NFL as forever game-changing and wait to see what else he will accomplish outside of playing football.