All-Pro Defensive End JJ Watt Retires After 12 Years In The NFL

Five-time First-Team All-Pro defensive end hangs up his cleats as a member of the Arizona Cardinals.

On Tuesday, long-time Houston Texan and current Cardinal's sack leader (9.5) J.J. Watt, 33, essentially announced his retirement after the 2022 season.

With the 11th pick in the first-round of the 2011 NFL Draft the Houston Texans selected the Wisconsin Badgers standout defensive lineman. Watt caused havoc throughout the NFL for a decade as a member of the AFC South team, before joining the NFC West in 2021.

After the 19-16 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, on Monday at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, Watt mentioned on social media after the game, "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."

The Pewaukee, Wisconsin native traded the Gulf Coast of Texas for the desert of Arizona where he has spent the last two years of his career.

The three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year holds two NFL records, and will leave the game as one of the defining defensive players of his era. Watt holds the record for most seasons (2) with 20+ sacks. Watt is also tied with his younger brother and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive standout outside linebacker T.J. Watt for most seasons leading the league in sacks (2).

Watt had arguably his best season, if not one of the best seasons ever for a defensive player in 2014. The five-time Pro-Bowler had 20.5 sacks, 29 tackles-for-loss and a total of 5 touchdowns. The former collegiate tight end-turned-defensive end had three 3 receiving touchdowns and scored twice on defense once with an interception return as well as a fumble recovery.

Aside from tearing up the gridiron, the 2017 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award winner is the president and founder of the Justin J. Watt Foundation. With the motto, "Dream Big, Work Hard" the foundation is a charity organization that provides after-school opportunities for children in various communities, for them to get involved in athletics in a safe environment.

Watt will be eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2028.