J.J. Watt

Justin James Watt plays for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League (NFL). He plays in the position of football’s defensive end. Born on March 22, 1989, Watt nicknamed ‘The Milkman’, played college football at the University of Wisconsin. In the 2011 NFL Draft he was drafted by the Houston Texans in the first round, and was the 11th overall pick. 

While Watt was in Pewaukee High School, he lettered in football, basketball, baseball, and track and field. His senior year, he earned the Woodland Conference Player of the Year Award, and first-team All-State, All-County, All-Conference and All-Area, selections as tight end and defensive end.

Watt matriculated from Central Michigan University where he also received a scholarship offer, and played under coach Butch Jones. Followingly, he enrolled at the University of Wisconsin. In 2010 he earned the Ronnie Lott Trophy, and was also voted to All- American AP and Sports Illustrated second-team, All-Big Ten first-team, and academic All-Big Ten. 

He joined the NFL after the Texans signed him to a four-year, $11.24 million contract on July 31, 2011. In his rookie season, Watt was named Texans Team Rookie of the Year, USA Today All-Joe Team, and Pro-Football Weekly/PWFA All-Rookie Team. 

In his first five seasons, Watt received the AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award three times. He at times shifts his position to that of a defensive tackle in some situations. However, he primarily plays in the position of a defensive end. During the 2014 season, he is also known to have taken snaps on offense, catching three touchdown passes. The same year, Watt became the first player in NFL history to record two 20+ sack seasons in a career. 

In terms of both sacks and forced fumbles, Watt holds the Texans' franchise records. Sports Illustrated named Watt its Sportsperson of the Year in 2017. However, on February 12, 2021, Watt requested and was granted his release from the Texans. Following his release, he signed a two-year, $28 million contract with the Arizona Cardinals, with $23 million guaranteed, on March 1, 2021.  

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