Cardinals ‘had no concept’ JJ Watt was retiring, head coach says

JJ Watt introduced Tuesday that this will probably be his remaining NFL season.

Followers weren’t the one ones shocked by the announcement of the Arizona Cardinals’ defensive finish – the truth is, his personal workforce was caught off guard.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM.

Arizona Cardinals defensive finish JJ Watt is proven earlier than a recreation towards the Los Angeles Rams on Sept. 25, 2022 in Glendale, Arizona.
(AP Picture/Ross D. Franklin, File)

“I by no means thought it will come,” Cardinals head coach Cliff Kingsbury informed reporters Wednesday.

Maybe the Cardinals thought Watt would not minimize his cleats, given he is having his greatest season in years.

Watt’s 9.5 sacks this season is his most since 16 in 2018. He at the moment has his 111.5 in his profession.

Nevertheless, in a social media put up, he mentioned he performed in “the final NFL residence recreation.”

JJ Watt of the Arizona Cardinals warms up earlier than kickoff towards the New England Patriots at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona on December 12, 2022.
(Cooper Neal/Getty Photos)

Russell Wilson needs to play higher for Nathaniel Hackett: ‘One of many brighter minds I have been round’

“Pleased for him. He seems to be like he is in a very good place . . . What an awesome participant and individual and greatest ever on this league,” Kingsbury mentioned. Seeing him play, listening to him play, I believe it is a particular time for him, the group and the NFL as a complete to have a good time him over the subsequent two weeks.

Watt spent his first 10 seasons with the Houston Texans and was drafted eleventh general in 2011.

Arizona will shut out the season with the ultimate two video games towards the Atlanta Falcons and San Francisco 49ers.

Watt would win one other $1 million if he will get extra half sacks within the remaining two video games.

Defensive finish JJ Watt, 99, of the Houston Texans celebrates the second half of the sport towards the Buffalo Payments on January 4, 2020 in Houston.
(AP Picture/Eric Christian Smith, file)

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

A five-time All-Professional First Workforce choice, he led the NFL in sacks in 2012 and 2015 with 20.5 and 17.5 respectively. He additionally recorded his 20.5 sacks in 2014, incomes his second Defensive Participant of the 12 months Award (2012 and his 2015 as nicely), MVP voting.