The star defensive end of the Arizona Cardinals announced the end of his career. JJ Watt played his last game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. But he will still take part in the matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. Many fans expressed their sadness at watching their favorite player quit the game. To add to the bittersweet moment, the Wisconsin product posted four pictures that got an overwhelming and sentimental response from many NFL fans.
The 33-year-old had an illustrious career. The Houston Texans initially picked him where he played for five years. There, he also won one of his three AP Defensive Player of the year awards. Then he played with the Birdies and has 10.5 sacks this season. His numerous accolades and impressive skills make him a class apart and many consider him to be a future Hall of Famer.
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To make his fans mushier, The Milkman uploaded pictures of his scuffed cleats. And as everybody knows, an athlete’s footwear is very special to them. They hold special memories and stories with them. When the fans saw the pictures, they could not help but pay tribute to the talented player.
Fans pay their respect to JJ Watt
On his cleats, his jersey number, which is 99, was printed. Along with that was a phrase, “Dream big, work hard” was written. The cleats were decorated and looked very personalized.
A fan saw Wat as a future Hall of Famer when they commented:
Might as well add this one on these pic.twitter.com/dAQzWMTMaZ
— Jay E. Tíez (@JeeetsJeeets) January 7, 2023
A fan posted a picture of a young JJ Wat.
Young JJ #9 senior year with the eyes closed 🤣 pic.twitter.com/iXS1b2YX4o
— Optimus Slide (@jason_lauber64) January 7, 2023
Fans are excited to watch the game between the Cardinals and the 49ers.
Flying into SF tonight see you tomorrow for the last one!
— Stuart Blitz (@StuartBlitz) January 7, 2023
Very powerful cleats! A life story. Hope the @AZCardinals win this game for you! I'll be wearing your jersey! pic.twitter.com/ON1BvJqcC8
— 🏆🏈❤️🔥The Red Rage❤️🔥🏈🏆 (@Big_Red_Rage) January 7, 2023
Many fans of the Texans hailed Watt as a hero and wished him all the best things in the world.
You are an amazing person. You were an absolute blessing to Houston. Everything from countless charity hours, your Harvey relief effort, to sending pizzas to the firehouses (thanks by the way)…eveything you have done is right. Blessings. See you in Canton.
— Yetti (@yetti113) January 7, 2023
Thank u @JJWatt for being a phenomenal human being! Such a personable, engaging, humble guy! Whether replying to a letter of a girl who wanted to miss work to attend your game, charities, Harvey relief, your story with 3 kids who lost their parents. Nothin short of amazing! 🙏🏼♥️
— Loba (@Lobaorshewolf) January 8, 2023
Bro I will be watching this game just to watch you carreer in full. Watched your from draft day to today. Play hard be safe and most of all have fun.
— Joseph Krout (@KroutKrout1) January 7, 2023
Congrats on your retirement JJ! Loved watching you at UW and through the NFL. Hope to see you back on the Badgers sidelines!!!!
— Jack Dean (@jackdean41) January 7, 2023
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The announcement of his retirement was a shocker for Arizona, as confessed by Kliff Kingsbury.
The recipient of the 2017 Walter Payton Man of the Year explained that the mental stress took a heavy toll on him. It is difficult to accept the losses. “You live with the highs and the lows, and I’ve always said that I’d way rather live with the highs and the lows than never know in the middle. I’ve got a son now…so there’s certainly some of that that played into it. But I’m very happy and am very at peace with it.”
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Even though Wat couldn’t win the Super Bowl this season, he left an unbeatable legacy.
Watch this story: Tom Brady Went to The Same High School As This Controversial MLB Hall of Famer Who Was Also A 14x All-Star
