If there was ever a list for NFL royalty, there are not many names that you’d be sure of. Well, if there’s one thing we’re sure of, JJ Watt will be there no matter what. After an illustrious 12 years in the association, JJ personified everything great about the sport. Be it on the field or off it, JJ has always been a professional, but above all, he’s always been humane. The Cardinals DE is what NFL royalty looks like.
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
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And although the Cardinals themselves might be a dumpster fire, fresh off firing coach Kliff Kingsbury and GM Steve Keim stepping down, their tribute video to Watt was absolutely marvelous. Featuring the league’s top talents, sprinkled with some family, the video is an absolute tear-jerker, and fans loved it.
Fans melt after seeing the heartwarming JJ Watt video
The video of JJ watching his tribute video prior to his last NFL game vs the 49ers aired on HBO’s ‘Hard Knocks’ series. JJ’s tribute video featured some of the most reputed names in the league. From Tom Brady to Aaron Rodgers, Peyton Manning, Dak Prescott, and his brothers TJ and Derek, the list is endless.
The video surely got the best of JJ, as the 6’5”, 288lbs DE, was drowning in a pool of tears within seconds. But we can hardly blame the man, as this was the reaction of most fans who saw the video.
As this fan said:
Didn’t expect to cry real tears when I opened the app this eve… But here we are. Clearly this man has done it the right way. He is as respected as any athlete I can think of.
— Buck (@BaseBuckBall) January 11, 2023
Some fans also had the liberty to see JJ play his last career game.
Glad to be at your last game! One of the best to do it! @JJWatt pic.twitter.com/oIrYRPuFFy
— Brandon⚜️ (@Brandon_HF4) January 11, 2023
Most fans remarked on JJ’s legacy, work ethic, and humility.
Congrats on an amazing career JJ. Your work ethic and desire will never be matched. Enjoy retirement 💪 pic.twitter.com/3dbyWn5wCs
— Brian Martin (@Bmartinsports) January 11, 2023
That one got me. Love you JJ. I’ll never forget the sack on Josh Allen in the 2019 wildcard game. The electricity in NRG stadium. How it willed the team back to win. The whole city of Houston loves you man. Enjoy your family.
— jefferson lee (@BucFanInAUAP) January 11, 2023
The NFL is going to be a little worse off next year. Thank you for playing this game with integrity, humility, and fun. A true class act that will be missed.
— 🌵🏴☠️RedRaider2013🌵 (@Texastech2013) January 11, 2023
What lies ahead for JJ?
JJ Watt played his last home game, the day his newborn son Koa saw his first NFL game. That’s a tragedy and a legacy in one sentence. In a matter of 12 seasons, at the ripe old age of 33, JJ built a legacy that shall stand for years to come. But above all, JJ gets to be the father that every child needs.
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Although JJ still has enough in the tank for multiple more seasons, the DE wants to spend the rest of his years caring for his son, and doing the most important job of all; changing diapers. In the long run, JJ probably made the right choice to be the man his family needs. But there isn’t any harm in wondering, what a legacy he might’ve left, had he played a few more years.
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A legacy of sports royalty is what he leaves.
Watch this story: Cardinals Special Gesture For Retired Hero JJ Watts Goes Viral
