On Sunday, one of the greatest defensive players the game has ever seen, JJ Watt played the final game of his career against the 49ers.
Although the Cardinals lost that game pretty badly, he received a standing ovation from his own teammates as well as the opposition players. Moreover, it was a road game for the Cardinals, and the crowd at Levi’s Stadium showered him with massive applause.
JJ Watt's final moments in the NFL 😢pic.twitter.com/eqCdq3MPqv
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) January 12, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Notably, Watt’s family was at the stadium as well to witness his final game. Certainly, the defensive end still showed tremendous defensive prowess, as he left the game with 2 sacks under his name. Recently, NFL insider, Dov Kleiman, shared a lovely video of his final minutes, as NFL fans became truly emotional.
NFL fans became emotional seeing JJ Watt leaving the field for the last time
In the final minutes of the fourth quarter against the Niners, the coaching staff took Watt out of the game, as they wanted to give him a proper send-off. Watt looked visibly emotional as he was looking at the giant screen; his wife also got emotional sitting in the stands.
Alongside Watt, many other fans tweeted some emotional words after watching the video. One fan posted a gif about crying after watching the video.
I’m not crying, you’re crying… pic.twitter.com/ohc1GqyMhO
— FootBaller (@AZSWAYZE) January 12, 2023
Another fan talked about tearing up.
Tearing up at 4:46 PM on a school day
— Meir Cohen (@KabobbyF) January 12, 2023
One more fan expressed the same opinion.
Every JJ Watt retirement video has made me cry. I don’t think I can take many more😅 https://t.co/Y2vK1hYhD5
— Chanel Porter (@ChanelABC17news) January 12, 2023
Many fans are already calling him a future Hall of Famer.
Legend. First ballot Hall of Famer. https://t.co/TB6BDVL3lZ
— Shawn Hulver (@HulverShawn) January 12, 2023
One fan posted some of his statistics and accolades.
@JJWatt hell of a career bub!!
5x-Pro Bowler
5x-1st Team All-Pro
3x-NFL Defensive Player off the Year
520 Tackles
110.5 Sacks1st Ballot Hall off Famer- Class of 2028
Thank Yew J.J Watttt https://t.co/7xTSRcwBCQ pic.twitter.com/OyfAmruZBE
— Ramirez James (@S0uthSide_Jimmi) January 12, 2023
One Seahawks fan showed him massive respect and expressed one wish.
Absolutely love this guy as a player and as a man. If there was ever a player I would love to have played for my Seahawks, it's him. Even in Arizona, wanted to beat the brakes off them, but respected JJ as much as one can.
— Lucas Chaves (@lucaschavesdm) January 12, 2023
One fan felt shocked after seeing his statistics in his final season.
Ended his last season wit 12.5 sacks and they was callin him washed, plus he ain’t have chandler Jones alongside him
— e (@hellnahfoo) January 12, 2023
Another fan pointed out that Watt received a great amount of applause from an away crowd, which was a testament to his legendary career.
To get this ovation in an away game is such a testament to what this man meant to the league and to all fan bases. Great player and an even greater human ! Hell of a career @JJWatt it’s been a pleasure watching you over the years ! https://t.co/62ZzEMgbsD
— VES | Wr3ckless (@J_ohellya07) January 12, 2023
Meanwhile, one fan made a funny joke and took a dig at the referees at the same time.
Wouldn’t have shocked me to see an Official throw a flag for removing is helmet on the field. 🟨 😆
— Shane 🇨🇦 🇺🇦 (@tobermorylife) January 12, 2023
Notably, JJ Watt played 16 games for the Cardinals this season and recorded 12.5 sacks in the 2022-23 season. However, the Cardinals lost 13 out of 17 games and could not give him a better send-off.
Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, and others paid tribute to Watt
Before playing the week 18 game against the Niners, coach Matt Burke surprised Watt with a tribute video, which reduced him to tears. In that video, Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, Peyton Manning, Dak Prescott, and his family members sent him some lovely words.
Brady hilariously said, “Man, you were a pain in my ass for a long time… It was an honor to share the field with you.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Later, Watt’s wife Kealia said, “It has been such an honor to watch you work your ass off these past years and do whatever you needed to do to be the best.”
Was not ready for that whatsoever.
Truly one of the greatest gifts I’ve ever received.
Will cherish it forever. https://t.co/XvRr7PqeRV
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) January 11, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Watt could not contain his tears as he was watching the video. Later, he posted this video on Twitter and said that it was one of the greatest gifts he has ever received. Notably, Watt took to social media and announced his retirement in December, as he shared a picture of his son Koa.
Watch This Story: NFL Goat Tom Brady sets another benchmark by breaking his own season-completion record