Cardinals’ J.J. Watt hints he’ll retire after 2022 NFL season: ‘It has been an absolute honor’

JJ Watt is taking part in a number of the greatest soccer in latest reminiscence, main the Cardinals with 9.5 sacks in his twelfth NFL season. He has additionally performed a few of his final footballs.Star defensive lineman on Christmas evening, two days after his Arizona loss to the Buccaneers in time beyond regulation hint on twitter for him to retire on the finish of the season.

Watt, 33, shared a photograph of himself along with his spouse Kealia and younger son Koa at State Farm Stadium throughout Monday’s recreation. Its caption not directly introduced his retirement: “First NFL recreation for Koa. My final NFL residence recreation. My coronary heart is full of nothing however love and gratitude. It is an absolute honor and pleasure.” was.”

The Cardinals nonetheless have two video games left on their schedule, each on the street: the Falcons, then the 49ers. Watt performed a key position in Arizona’s protection this yr, making a comeback because the Texans’ All-Professional as his cross rusher He obtained Participant of the 12 months votes Did. Earlier this season, he additionally overcame his atrial fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation is an arrhythmia that requires a shock to the guts to revive its rhythm.

After spending the primary decade of his profession in Houston, Watt leaves the sport as one of many main defensive gamers of his period. The latter half of his profession was tormented by accidents that saved him out 4 instances for not less than half the season. However when wholesome, he is among the most constant forces finish to finish and alongside the road. His 111.5 profession sacks rank twenty sixth all-time. He has led the NFL in sacks twice, surpassed 20 takedowns on two completely different events, has three Defensive Participant of the 12 months Awards (2012, 2014, 2015), and 7 All-Professional nominations. , earned 5 Professional Bowl picks.

Watt can also be one of the recognizable faces within the NFL group, successful the 2017 Walter Peyton Man of the 12 months award for rallying tens of thousands and thousands in reduction efforts after Hurricane Harvey.