J.J. Watt surprised the NFL world by casually announcing his retirement with sweet family photos
Arizona Cardinals star J.J. Watt shocked the NFL world on Tuesday morning when he casually announced his retirement in a social media post that featured sweet family photos from the Christmas Night game against the Bucs a few days ago.
Watt has spent 12 years in the NFL, including the past two seasons with the Cardinals. He’s a three-time Defensive Player of the Year, a five-time All-Pro and won the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award in 2017 after his incredibly charity work with the city of Houston after Hurricane Harvey.
Watt has 9.5 sacks this year (111.5 career sacks) for the Cardinals, who are not going to make the playoffs.
Here’s his post that stunned everyone:
Koa’s first ever NFL game.
My last ever NFL home game.My heart is filled with nothing but love and gratitude. It’s been an absolute honor and a pleasure.
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) December 27, 2022
Well, that’s a pretty great way to announce your retirement.
Watt’s wife, Kealia Watt, is a professional soccer player who plays for the Chicago Red Stars of the National Women’s Soccer League.
I spoke with Kealia recently, and she told me she's gotten back to exercising postpartum and is planning on making a return to the #NWSL. Looks like JJ will be assuming stay-at-home-dad responsibilities :) https://t.co/ek44eKrUSO
— Meredith Cash (@mercash22) December 27, 2022
The Cardinals end their season with games at the Falcons and at the 49ers.
NFL fans had reactions.