JJ Watt, a defensive end for the Arizona Cardinals and one of the best in NFL history, made the announcement on Tuesday that he would be retiring after the 2022 campaign.
The 19-16 overtime loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last Sunday was Watt’s “last ever” home game, according to the three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
Watt posted on Twitter, “My heart is filled with nothing but love and gratitude.” It has truly been a pleasure and an honour.
Arizona will play its final two games of the season on the road, travelling to Atlanta to play the Falcons on Sunday and to San Francisco to play the 49ers on January 8.
The Cardinals replied with a tweet that read, “The pleasure was all ours.
Known as a dominant pass rusher, Watt is likely bound for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, for which he will be eligible in 2028.
The Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald and New York Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor and the 33-year-old were tied for the most defensive player of the year awards in league history with three each.
According to the NFL, the Houston Texans selected the seven-time All-Pro and five-time Pro Bowl selection with the 11th overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. He spent his first 10 seasons with the Texans. He has 101 career sacks, which is a Texans franchise record.
Watt agreed to a two-year deal with the Cardinals in March 2021 after becoming a free agent.
Watt is renowned for his accomplishments off the field.
In the wake of Hurricane Harvey’s devastation of the Gulf Coast in August 2017, Watt started what would become his most significant charitable undertaking to date.
Watt was able to raise more than $37 million for those affected by the floods and damage Harvey left behind thanks to a YouCaring campaign, a lot of social media attention, and the assistance of some well-known friends. The 2017 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award, which recognises the charitable and volunteer efforts of NFL players, was given to him because of his fundraising.
T.J. and Derek Watt, two of Watt’s brothers who play for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL. At the University of Wisconsin, the three Watt brothers were college football players.
This season, JJ Watt revealed on social media that he received treatment for atrial fibrillation, an irregular heartbeat that many sufferers describe as their heart “quivering,” “fluttering,” or “flip-flopping.”
