Justin James Watt is a former American football player in the National Football League (NFL). He was the Houston Texans’ 11th pick in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft for the defensive end position. He played football for his hometown at the University of Wisconsin. His two younger brothers followed in his footsteps - Derek Watt played fullback while T.J. Watt is a linebacker playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
JJ Watt’s college performance made him a prospective pick for franchises. He was awarded the Lott Trophy in 2010 and the Bert Bell Award in 2014. He has been named to 5 Pro Bowls and 5 First-team All-Pro honors.
Watt holds the franchise record for sacks and forced fumbles. The 2017 Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year is also a 3 time NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2012, 2014, and 2015.
In 2021, JJ Watts requested to be released from the Texans and signed a 2-year, $28 million contract with the Arizona Cardinals.
J.J Watt Contract with the Arizona Cardinals
Watt’s 2-year $28 million contract can be broken down as follows:
| Contract | Signing Bonus | Average Salary | GTD at Sign | Total GTD |
| 2 yr(s) / $28,000,000 | $12,000,000 | $14,000,000 | $20,000,000 | $23,000,000 |
| Year | Base Salary | Signing Bonus | Roster Bonus | Cap Hit | Dead Cap | Yearly Cash |
| 2021 | $2,500,000 | $2,400,000 | - | $4,900,000 | $20,000,000 | $14,500,000 |
| 2022 | $11,250,000 | $2,400,000 | $2,250,000 | $15,900,000 | $15,100,000 | $13,500,000 |
| 2023 | - | $2,400,000 | - | $7,200,000 | - | - |
What are the terms of J.J. Watt’s contract?
JJ Watt’s contract guaranteed the defensive end $20 million at signing. This amount included a signing bonus of $2,400,000, a 2020 salary, and a $2,250,000 roster bonus of 2022 as well as $3.5 million of his 2022 salary. $3 million of the 2022 salary was as injury reserve which became fully guaranteed in March 2022.
The deal also granted a $1 million base escalator for 10 sacks in 2021 and 2022 and another $1 million as bonus. The contract also had a no-trade clause.
J.J Watt Contract History
| Year | Contract | Signing Bonus | Average Salary | GTD at Sign | Total GTD |
| 2011 - 2015 | 4 yr(s) / $11,237,498 | $6,672,728 | $2,809,375 | - | $11,237,498 |
| 2014 - 2021 | 6 yr(s) / $100,005,425 | $10,000,000 | $16,667,571 | $30,881,810 | $51,876,000 |
J.J Watt Salary
Cardinals defensive end Watt had an annual average income of $14,000,000 as per his last NFL contract. He earned a base salary of $2,500,000 in 2021.
J.J Watt Net Worth
According to Celebrity Net Worth, JJ Watt has a net worth of approximately $70 million. Apart from his NFL paychecks, Watt reportedly earns millions from endorsement deals with brands like Reebok, Gatorade, Ford, Verizon, and many more.
Also Read: Who is JJ Watt's Wife, Kealia Ohai?
Other Similar Pages
| Davante Adam's Contract | |
| Kyler Murray Contract | |
| Justin Fields Contract | |
| Von Miller Contract | |
| Khalil Mack's Contract | |
| Rob Gronkowski Contract | |
| Joe Burrow Contract | |
| Cam Newton Contract |
;'/></svg>)
FAQs
A. JJ Watt played for the Houston Texans and the Arizona Cardinals in his 12-year NFL career.
A. JJ Watt was one the most impactful defensive ends in the history of the NFL. He won the AP Defensive Player of the Year 3 times in 2012, 2014, and 2015.
A. JJ Watt finished his 12-year NFL career with 114.5 sacks.
A. JJ Watt is the co-owner of English Premier League's football team Burnley.
A. JJ Watt is married to Kealia Watt with whom he shares one son named Koa James Watt.
![J.J. McCarthy’s pregnant fiancée Katya Kuropas shares glimpses of their babymoon [In Pics]](https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2025/07/0aa64-17518127165574-1920.jpg?h=166)
