Watt, J. J. (1989-…), was a dominant and popular defensive player in the National Football League (NFL). Watt, who played defensive end, became famous for his strength, aggressiveness, and speed in tackling ball carriers and rushing quarterbacks attempting to pass. Watt’s outgoing personality increased his popularity among fans and the sports media. For a discussion of football positions and formations, see Football (The players and coaches).
Watt stands 6 feet 5 inches (1.96 meters) tall. In spite of his size, Watt’s athleticism allowed him to drop back into the defensive backfield to defend passes instead of remaining on or near the line of scrimmage as a typical defensive end would.
Justin James Watt was born on March 22, 1989, in Pewaukee, Wisconsin. He competed in football, basketball, baseball, and track and field at Pewaukee High School and was a state champion in the shot put. Watt played as a freshman for Central Michigan University in 2007 as a tight end. He transferred to the University of Wisconsin in 2008. Watt did not play that year because of rules governing athletes who transfer. He started for Wisconsin in 2009 and 2010 as a defensive end. Watt won the 2010 Lott IMPACT Trophy, an award that goes to the nation’s top collegiate defensive player who demonstrates both outstanding character and football skill. Watt skipped his final year of college eligibility to enter the 2011 NFL draft. The draft is the way NFL teams select eligible college players to play for them.
The Houston Texans selected Watt as the 11th player in the draft. Watt became a star in his second season in the NFL. He was named the league’s Defensive Player of the Year for the 2012, 2014, and 2015 seasons. Watt established the Justin J. Watt Foundation, which supports after-school athletic programs for middle schools in Wisconsin and Texas. After Hurricane Harvey severely damaged the Houston area in 2017, the foundation raised millions of dollars in relief funds to assist victims. In 2021, the Texans released Watt. He quickly signed with the Arizona Cardinals. Watt retired from football in 2023.
