NFL Field to Use One Watt Electricity for First Time in Nearly a Decade
In March of this year, Derek Watt, former fullback for the Los Angeles Chargers, announced his retirement from the NFL, leaving his brother, T.J. Watt, as the last remaining sibling in the league. The Watt brothers, raised by John and Carrie Watt, have made their mark on the football world, starting in 2011 when J.J., the eldest, was drafted into the NFL. While Derek did not play in his final season in the league, the 2024 season will mark the first time in nearly a decade that fans can expect fewer than two Watt brothers to debut on an NFL roster since 2016. Let’s take a closer look at the Watt brothers’ NFL careers and where they are now.
J.J. Watt
J.J. Watt, born on March 22, 1989, in Pewaukee, Wisconsin, excelled as a defensive end at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, earning the prestigious Ronnie Lott Trophy before entering the NFL. In 2011, J.J. was drafted by the Houston Texans in the first round and played for the team until the end of the 2020 season. In 2021, he signed a two-year, $31 million deal with the Arizona Cardinals, where he played for two seasons before announcing his retirement from the game.
J.J. shared news of his retirement plans with fans in late 2022, posting a family photograph with the caption, “Koa’s first ever NFL game. My last ever NFL home game.” Reflecting on his career, J.J. expressed his gratitude to fans, saying, “My heart is filled with nothing but love and gratitude. It’s been an absolute honor and a pleasure.” Following his retirement, J.J. has taken on a role as a studio analyst for NFL Today.
Throughout his NFL career, J.J. amassed an impressive record, including 114.5 sacks, 17 fumble recoveries, and 586 total tackles. His standout season in 2012 saw him achieve a career-high of 81 total tackles. With accolades such as three-time Defensive Player of the Year, five Pro Bowl selections, five-time first-team All-Pro nods, and two-time NFL sacks leader, J.J. is poised to be a first-ballot inductee into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, in 2028.
Derek Watt
Derek Watt, born on November 7, 1992, also attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he played alongside his older brother J.J. In 2016, Derek was drafted into the NFL in the sixth round, 198th overall, by the San Diego Chargers (now the Los Angeles Chargers), where he spent four seasons. He then signed a three-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2020, playing with the team for three seasons before becoming a free agent.
In a heartfelt social media post earlier this year, Derek announced his retirement from the NFL, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to live out his childhood dream. He thanked his wife, Gabriella, and their two sons for their unwavering support, as well as his parents for laying the foundation for his football career. Derek also extended his appreciation to his brothers for the incredible journey they shared in the NFL.
Derek’s NFL career concluded with no fumbles, 71 rushing yards, 178 receiving yards, and a touchdown on 18 receptions. He married his wife in February 2018, and Gabriella currently works as a real estate agent in Wisconsin. As Derek embarks on the next chapter of his life, it remains unclear what professional endeavors he may pursue in the future.
T.J. Watt
T.J. Watt, born on October 11, 1994, is the youngest of the Watt brothers and also attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Like his brothers, T.J. played for the Badgers until 2015 before entering the NFL. In 2017, he was drafted in the first round, 30th overall, by the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he has made a name for himself as an outside linebacker.
In 2020, T.J. had the opportunity to play alongside his brother Derek when the Steelers signed him to a three-year, $9.75 million deal. The following year, T.J. signed a lucrative $112 million contract with the Steelers. As a six-time Pro Bowler and four-time All-Pro selection, T.J. has proven himself as a dominant force on the field, ending the 2023 NFL season with 19 sacks at 29 years old.
Despite his individual success, T.J. has faced challenges in achieving postseason victories with the Steelers. An injury sustained during a game against the Baltimore Ravens in the 2023 regular season sidelined him for the AFC Wild Card playoff game against the Buffalo Bills, where the Steelers suffered a 31-17 defeat. T.J. has appeared in just three playoff games throughout his career.
Looking ahead to the 2024 NFL season, T.J. is focused on leading the Steelers to success as he enters the schedule with 96.5 career sacks. In July 2022, he married Dani Rhodes, a former soccer player from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. As T.J. continues to strive for excellence on the field, his dedication to winning remains unwavering.
In conclusion, the Watt brothers have left a lasting impact on the NFL with their remarkable careers and contributions to the sport. While J.J. has transitioned into a post-playing career as a studio analyst, Derek begins a new chapter in retirement, and T.J. prepares to lead the Steelers to victory in the upcoming season. Their collective journey in the NFL serves as a testament to their talent, perseverance, and passion for the game. As fans eagerly anticipate the next chapter in the Watt brothers’ lives, their legacy in football remains a shining example of dedication and excellence in the sport.