Justin James Watt, commonly known as J.J. Watt, is a retired American professional football player widely regarded as one of the greatest defensive ends in NFL history.
Born on March 22, 1989, in Waukesha, Wisconsin, Watt grew up in the nearby town of Pewaukee, where he developed a passion for sports from an early age.
Raised by his mother, Connie Watt, a building operations vice president, and his father, John Watt, a firefighter, he was instilled with a strong work ethic and family values that would define his career.
Watt’s journey to stardom was marked by perseverance; after a brief stint at Central Michigan University playing tight end, he transferred as a walk-on to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he switched to defensive end and earned All-American honors.
Off the field, Watt is a philanthropist, having raised millions for youth sports through his Justin J. Watt Foundation, and he is married to former soccer player Kealia Watt, with whom he shares three children.
Since retiring from the NFL in 2022, he has transitioned into broadcasting as a CBS Sports analyst.
Siblings
J.J.’s family is a powerhouse of athletic talent, with all three brothers carving out paths in professional football, making the Watts one of the most notable sibling trios in NFL history.
The middle brother, Derek Watt, born in 1992, followed in J.J.’s footsteps at Pewaukee High School and the University of Wisconsin, where he played fullback alongside his younger brother.
Drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the sixth round of the 2016 NFL Draft, Derek spent time with the Chargers and later joined the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2020, reuniting with T.J. on the same team.
Known for his special teams prowess and blocking skills, Derek retired from the league in March 2024 after eight seasons, reflecting on the lifelong friendships and memories he gained.
The youngest sibling, T.J. Watt, born in 1994, has emerged as a dominant force in his own right, playing outside linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers after being selected 30th overall in the 2017 NFL Draft.
Like his brothers, T.J. attended the University of Wisconsin, where he was teammates with Derek.
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Career
Watt’s NFL career spanned 12 seasons, beginning when the Houston Texans selected him 11th overall in the 2011 Draft, a pivotal moment that launched the franchise into playoff contention for the first time.
As a rookie, he recorded 3.5 sacks and earned Texans Team Rookie of the Year honors, but it was his sophomore season in 2012 that announced him as a superstar: Watt led the league with 20.5 sacks, 16 passes defended, a record for a defensive lineman, and even scored on a pick-six, earning unanimous Defensive Player of the Year acclaim.
Injuries tested his durability in subsequent years, including a herniated disc in 2016 that sidelined him for most of the season, but Watt’s resilience shone through with dominant performances upon return, such as his 2018 campaign where he notched 16 sacks despite playing through a hand injury.
Seeking a fresh start after the Texans’ rebuild, he signed a one-year, $31 million deal with the Arizona Cardinals in 2021, where he added 11.5 sacks before retiring at age 33 following the 2022 season.
Across 151 games, Watt amassed 114.5 sacks, 508 tackles, and 27 forced fumbles, holding Texans franchise records in sacks and forced fumbles.
Accolades
Watt was selected to the Pro Bowl five times and earned first-team All-Pro honors on five occasions, underscoring his consistent dominance.
In 2017, Sports Illustrated named him Sportsperson of the Year for his on-field prowess and off-field philanthropy, particularly his efforts raising over $40 million for Houston youth after Hurricane Harvey.
Watt’s statistical marvels include two 20-plus sack seasons, an NFL record for a defensive lineman with 25 passes defended in 2014, and the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award in 2017, recognizing his community impact.
He was inducted into the Houston Texans Ring of Honor in 2023 and is a lock for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy as a transformative figure in modern football.
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