NFL great J.J. Watt announced he’ll retire from football after the season in a social media post on Tuesday morning.
J.J. Watt has a long list of accomplishments to his name:
- 3x Defensive Player of the Year
- Walter Payton Man of the Year
- 7x All-Pro
- 2x Sack Leader
- NFL 2010s All-Decade Team
In a few years, we’ll be able to add Hall of Famer to that list when Watt is enshrined in football immortality. Canton surely awaits, and Watt retires playing some of his best football for the Arizona Cardinals. His brothers T.J. and Derek remain in the league, responsible for one of the greatest football families the NFL has ever seen.
Watt has 9.5 sacks on the year, and could surely finish with double-digit sack numbers for the first time since 2018. The longtime Houston Texans star signed with the Cardinals after the 2020 season, and will finish his career on the road in San Francisco.
J.J. Watt announced retirement on social media
A Twitter post from Watt on Tuesday morning announced the news. Watt’s wife, family and newborn child Koa were in the post. It’s safe to say Watt has plenty to do in life after football, and a break could do him some good as he helps his wife, Kealia Watt, raise Koa.
“My heart is filled with nothing but love and gratitude. It’s been an absolute honor and a pleasure,” Watt wrote.
J.J. Watt retirement: Fans and media react
Watt will retire among the all-time greats at his position, and on the defensive side of the ball in general. At his peak, Watt was borderline unblockable. Watt had 20.5 sacks in the 2014 regular season, which was arguably his best as a pro.
Never forget the Jaguars chose Blaine Gabbert just a pick before Watt in 2010.
At 33 years old, Watt could still play a few more years if he wanted. He’d arguably be on of the top free-agent defensive ends available this offseason.
There’s nothing like retiring on top.