JJ Watt, also known as Justin James Watt, is a defensive end in the NFL who currently plays for the Arizona Cardinals. Many consider JJ to be one of the best defensive players ever to play in the NFL, and he has been the recipient of many awards, including the AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award three times. In 2017, Sports Illustrated named him the Sportsman of the Year. Get all of the latest JJ Watt stats and news here!
JJ Watt started his college career at Central Michigan before transferring as a walk-on to the University of Wisconsin. He played defensive end and earned the Ronnie Lott trophy in 2010. He skipped his senior year to enter the 2011 NFL Draft, and was the 11th overall pick by the Houston Texans. JJ Watt’s contract was a four-year, $11.24 million rookie contract.
In 2012, he boasted one of the best seasons for a defensive player in NFL history with 69 solo tackles, 12 assisted tackles, 20.5 sacks, 16 passes defended, 4 forced fumbles, and 2 fumble recoveries. He went on to be awarded the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award in 2012, 2014, and 2015 and was awarded the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award in 2017. JJ Watt’s accolades also include being a five-time First-team All-Pro and a five-time Pro Bowler.
In 2021, Watt signed a two-year $28 million contract with the Arizona Cardinals. In 2022, JJ experienced atrial fibrillation, which is an irregular heartbeat that can increase the risk of stroke, heart failure, and other complications. He had it ‘shocked back into rhythm’ and played in the next game.
