Arizona Cardinals defensive close J.J. Watt declared on Tuesday early morning that he is retiring from the NFL when Arizona’s period ends Jan. 8.
Watt, who was initially drafted by the Houston Texans out of Wisconsin in the 2011 NFL draft, has 111.5 career sacks — including 9.5 this season. He is a person of three players in NFL heritage, along with Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor and Los Angeles Rams defensive deal with Aaron Donald, to get the league’s Defensive Player of the Calendar year award a few situations. Watt gained the award in 2012, 2014 and 2015.
Watt also received the Walter Payton NFL Male of the Year Award in 2017 for his function to enable Houston recover from harm through Hurricane Harvey.
Not only was @JJWatt one particular of the most dominant defenders of his technology, he was also 1 of the best guys off the area.
Just after Hurricane Harvey devastated Texas in 2017, he raised in excess of $37 million in the direction of relief initiatives in just 19 times. ❤️ #WPMOY pic.twitter.com/PyKFchttWF
— NFL (@NFL) December 27, 2022
Five many years ago, in the times subsequent Hurricane Harvey’s devastation, I went to Houston to witness @JJWatt‘s fundraising efforts. He helped raise a lot more than $37 million, modifying my viewpoint on the impression athletes can make. His legacy extends beyond the subject. Our job interview: pic.twitter.com/EUwWOLG3QT
— Jeff Darlington (@JeffDarlington) December 27, 2022
Pro soccer participant Kealia Ohai, whom Watt married in 2020, tweeted to congratulate her husband. Watt’s brother Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt shared the psychological Michael Scott meme.
The greatest. I am so proud to be your spouse ❤️💙 @JJWatt https://t.co/OwnvsueCB5
— Kealia Ohai Watt (@KealiaOhai) December 27, 2022
https://t.co/alM0DjDzYr pic.twitter.com/zCQ8gAq2WS
— TJ Watt (@_TJWatt) December 27, 2022
Watt was an All-American for the Wisconsin Badgers and led the staff to the 2010 Rose Bowl.
A true Badger legend. Thank you for creating Wisconsin very pleased.
You have attained everything, including some properly-deserved time with your gorgeous relatives!#OnWisconsin https://t.co/G6fYHSvJ6V
— Wisconsin Soccer (@BadgerFootball) December 27, 2022
Many others from close to the sporting activities globe congratulated Watt for his extraordinary profession.
Next @JJWatt‘s announcement that he will retire immediately after this time, we can affirm that he’d very first be eligible for the Pro Soccer Hall of Fame in 2028. pic.twitter.com/OQt6sOf66P
— Pro Soccer Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) December 27, 2022
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) December 27, 2022
Fantastic respect for JJ Watt’s physique of perform both equally on the subject and off. A complete course act. Very well carried out brother!
— Rich Gannon (@RichGannon12) December 27, 2022
A single spot for the Pro Football Corridor of Fame, course of 2028, is claimed by JJ Watt with the announcement right now of his retirement.
— Ed Werder (@WerderEdESPN) December 27, 2022
Instruction at EXOS in az pre incorporate to 12 seasons later Salute to one particular of the greatest from draft class ’11! https://t.co/4CDmM3vUoU
— cameron jordan (@camjordan94) December 27, 2022
