Sports world reacts to J.J. Watt retirement announcement
Arizona Cardinals defensive finish J.J. Watt introduced on Tuesday morning that he’s retiring from the NFL when Arizona’s season ends on Jan. 8.
Watt, who was initially drafted by the Houston Texans out of Wisconsin within the 2011 NFL draft, has 111.5 profession sacks — together with 9.5 this season. He’s certainly one of three gamers in NFL historical past, together with Corridor of Famer Lawrence Taylor and Los Angeles Rams defensive deal with Aaron Donald, to win the league’s Defensive Participant of the 12 months award thrice. Watt received the award in 2012, 2014 and 2015.
Watt additionally received the Walter Payton NFL Man of the 12 months Award in 2017 for his work to assist Houston recuperate from injury throughout Hurricane Harvey.
Not solely was @JJWatt some of the dominant defenders of his technology, he was additionally one of many biggest males off the sector.
After Hurricane Harvey devastated Texas in 2017, he raised over $37 million in the direction of reduction efforts in simply 19 days. ❤️ #WPMOY pic.twitter.com/PyKFchttWF
— NFL (@NFL) December 27, 2022
5 years in the past, within the days following Hurricane Harvey’s devastation, I went to Houston to witness @JJWatt‘s fundraising efforts. He helped elevate greater than $37 million, altering my perspective on the affect athletes could make. His legacy extends past the sector. Our interview: pic.twitter.com/EUwWOLG3QT
— Jeff Darlington (@JeffDarlington) December 27, 2022
Professional soccer participant Kealia Ohai, whom Watt married in 2020, tweeted to congratulate her husband. Watt’s brother, Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt shared the emotional Michael Scott meme.
The best. I’m so proud to be your spouse ❤️💙 @JJWatt https://t.co/OwnvsueCB5
— Kealia Ohai Watt (@KealiaOhai) December 27, 2022
https://t.co/alM0DjDzYr pic.twitter.com/zCQ8gAq2WS
— TJ Watt (@_TJWatt) December 27, 2022
Watt was an All-American for the Wisconsin Badgers and led the group to the 2010 Rose Bowl.
A real Badger legend. Thanks for making Wisconsin proud.
You’ve got earned every little thing, together with some well-deserved time along with your stunning household!#OnWisconsin https://t.co/G6fYHSvJ6V
— Wisconsin Soccer (@BadgerFootball) December 27, 2022
Others from across the sports activities world congratulated Watt for his exceptional profession.
Following @JJWatt‘s announcement that he’ll retire after this season, we are able to verify that he’d first be eligible for the Professional Soccer Corridor of Fame in 2028. pic.twitter.com/OQt6sOf66P
— Professional Soccer Corridor of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) December 27, 2022
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) December 27, 2022
Nice respect for JJ Watt’s physique of labor each on the sector and off. A complete class act. Nicely completed brother!
— Wealthy Gannon (@RichGannon12) December 27, 2022
One spot for the Professional Soccer Corridor of Fame, class of 2028, is claimed by JJ Watt with the announcement right now of his retirement.
— Ed Werder (@WerderEdESPN) December 27, 2022
Coaching at EXOS in az pre mix to 12 seasons later Salute to one of many biggest from draft class ’11! https://t.co/4CDmM3vUoU
— cameron jordan (@camjordan94) December 27, 2022