The legendary JJ Watt is calling it
This past week, JJ Watt posted a moving picture of him and his family at State Farm Stadium but it was not to share some words of wisdom. Instead, he shared some pictures with friends and family while announcing he had played his last NFL home game and implied he would retire at the end of the season.
Watt brought many values to the desert when he was signed during the 2021 offseason. His leadership, his veteran experience, and his physical skillset were all values that the Cardinals had signed him for. Watt had familiarity with defensive coordinator Vance Joseph’s system from his time in Houston and also played with former Texan teammate Deandre Hopkins. Because of these connections, along with the beautiful Arizona weather, it made an easy decision for Watt to join the Cardinals. However, this decision also came with hopes of getting the opportunity to play in the big game, the Super Bowl, which many believed the Cardinals were not far from.
Watt came to the desert with an already highly decorated career. The veteran defensive end was named a 1st team All-Pro 5 times, won the Defensive Player of the Year award twice and was also selected to the Pro Bowl five times. His reputation speaks for itself. Although Watt’s younger days were behind him, he still had a passion for the game left in him, even as an aging veteran. The Cardinals valued Watt’s veteran experience and it played a tremendous role in the development of young players such as Zach Allen and Cameron Thomas. Because of their expedited development, it has allowed Allen to have a breakout year and the defense as a whole to become one of the brighter spots during what has been a grim NFL season.
Because of Watt’s retirement, the Cardinals have been left with the daunting task of replacing a generational talent and a well-respected leader. They cannot replace Watt but hopefully, they can address this hole through free agency or in the upcoming draft.
J.J. Watt, you will be missed but you will always have a home here in the desert!
