After 12 seasons of dominating opposing offenses in the NFL, future Hall of Fame defensive end JJ Watt is officially retiring from the NFL after this season.
The three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year announced the news via social media today, sharing a heartfelt message to fans:
“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 post also features pictures of Watt standing with family after their game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this past Sunday:
It’s been one heck of a ride for the former Houston Texans and current Arizona Cardinals defensive end, going from a no name walk-on at the University of Wisconsin, to becoming one of the greatest defensive players the NFL has ever seen.
Not to mention, the guy is a complete class act off the field, as we’ve seen him make several selfless moves, from paying the funeral costs for all the victims who passed away during the horrific Waukesha Christmas Parade incident last year, to raising $37 million dollars for Hurricane Harvey victims, to donating $350,000 to the Houston Food Bank, and the list of examples could go on and on.
Needless to say, Sundays will never be the same with ol’ Watt not on the field.
