When J.J. Watt concluded his final NFL game after 12 seasons, he walked off the field at Levi’s Stadium in San Francisco to a standing ovation. The emotional moment even brought tears to the defensive end’s eyes.
In the midst of his final game, a video showcasing his journey through professional football was also showcased by the Arizona Cardinals. The video depicted multiple strong influences in the NFL player’s life, including his brother, fellow Defensive Player of the Year T.J. Watt.
“Brother, J.J., I just want to say congratulations on retirement,” T.J. said in the video. “You and your resiliency throughout all the ups and downs. You ending up in the NFL and you being Defensive Player of the Year and you having all the success that you had, showed me that it’s possible.”
J.J. Watt’s parents demonstrate an emotional farewell to their son’s NFL career
In addition to his brother, Watt’s own parents made an appearance during the legacy video. “J.J., before you were born, we had really big dreams for you and high hopes, but, boy, you kind of blew those out of the water on your own,” his mother, Connie, relayed. “We are so happy for you. It’s been just a complete joy watching you all through the years.”
“We got to be a big part of it for your first journey back in the day when I was your coach. And it’s been a pleasure to watch you ever since,” his father, John, added. “Kind of sad to see it come to your last game, but you have so many great things ahead of you that I’m looking forward to what the future brings for you, Kealia, and Koa.”
“It has been such an honor to watch you work you’re a—off these past years and do whatever you needed to do to be the best,” his wife, Kealia Watt, shared after his father was featured. “You’ve been so generous and kind and loving to everybody around you, and you never forgot who you are.”
She concluded with the wholesome sentiment, “I know Koa will be so proud to be your son.”
Throughout his career, Watt was a three-time Defensive Player of the Year Award winner and concluded his regular season stats with 114.5 sacks, 586 combined tackles (195 for loss), and 27 forced fumbles. In addition, over the course of his 151 games, he was a five-time All-Pro player and was selected to the Pro Bowl five times.
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