Future Hall of Famer and one of the Greatest defensive linemen of all time, J. J. Watt announced his retirement from the NFL. On Tuesday, the Cardinals star shared the news via Twitter and mentioned that he would step out following the 2022 season.
As they say, it happens to be the end of an era going down as one of the finest, especially leaving the shores at his prime. Watt is just 33, and looking at his fitness, fans were expecting him to play more; however, the veteran knew when it was the right time.
Koa’s first ever NFL game.
My last ever NFL home game.My heart is filled with nothing but love and gratitude. It’s been an absolute honor and a pleasure.
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) December 27, 2022
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“Koa’s first-ever NFL game. My last ever NFL home game. My heart is filled with nothing but love and gratitude. It’s been an absolute honor and a pleasure,” Watt wrote in his tweet sharing the pic alongside his wife, Kealia Watt, and son Koa.
He played his last home game of the season in Arizona against the mighty Buccaneers this week. Although it turned out to be a heartbreak, the veteran played a pivotal role in resisting Tom Brady’s offensive progression.
Not only was @JJWatt one of the most dominant defenders of his generation, he was also one of the greatest men off the field.
After Hurricane Harvey devastated Texas in 2017, he raised over $37 million towards relief efforts in just 19 days. ❤️ #WPMOY pic.twitter.com/PyKFchttWF
— NFL (@NFL) December 27, 2022
Only two games are left in the regular season for Watt to call it a career because his team is already out of playoff contention. Next Sunday, he will face the Falcons and in the season finale, a visit to San Francisco for the 49ers matchup.
The former first-round pick of the 2011 NFL draft played the first 10 seasons of his career with the Houston Texans. And the remaining two years at Arizona as a prominent aspect bolstering the Cardinals’ defense. Being an absolute leader in all aspects, J. J. Watt is ranked 26th in all-time on the all-time list with 111.5 sacks.
The Wisconsin product has several accolades to his name. He won the coveted defensive player of the year title thrice in his career and owns a Walter Payton Man of the Year award. The seven-time All-Pro boasts an incredible record of having the most number seasons with 20+ sacks and ties the metrics with his brother T. J. Watt.
NFL world showers love for J.J. Watt, remembering the iconic moments of his career
Watt happens to be a perfect example for the generations to follow. His consistency, regardless of the results, made him one of the famed athletes in the league. And above all, he was a great human being giving it back to society by making incredible donations.
JJ Watt has the most 20+ sack seasons in NFL history.
His 2014 season was incredible. He had 20.5 sacks, 10 passes defended, 80-yard pick-six, 4 forced fumbles on defense and caught 3 passes for 3 TDs on offense.
One of the best to ever do it.pic.twitter.com/T2VNvRv65C
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) December 27, 2022
🥹🥹🥹 wait, nooo
— Emmanuel Acho (@EmmanuelAcho) December 27, 2022
Congrats! Great career and even better human
— Chris Mattmann (@chrismattmann) December 27, 2022
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The NFL will miss your skills and class.
— Matt Pomeroy (@MattPomPom) December 27, 2022
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The star will play the last game of his career at Levi’s Stadium in January, leaving back an incredible legacy of his Hall of Fame career. It’s yet to be seen how Watt wishes to progress in the second phase of his life.
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