J J Watt full name Justin James Watt (Born on March 22, 1989, in Wisconsin, U. S.) is a professional American football player, he was a defensive end for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League (NFL). He was chosen 11th overall by the Houston Texans in the 2011 NFL draft.
In college, he played football at the University of Wisconsin. Although he plays primarily as a defensive end, he is also used as a defensive tackle in some game situations. One of only three players in history to be awarded Defender of the Year three times (in 2012, 2014, and 2015).
Watt is considered one of the most dominant players in the league and the only player in history to have scored at least 20 sacks in two different seasons. Watt also holds the Texans franchise records of a sack, forced fumble, and career recovery. For his athletic skills and his toughness on the pitch, he is nicknamed Mega Watt.

Facts About J. J. Watt
- Born: March 22, 1989, Pewaukee, Wisconsin
- Full name: Justin James Watt
- Nickname: Mega Watt
- Height: 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)
- Weight: 288 lb (131 kg)
- Age: 31 years old
- Sacks: 101.0
- Total tackles: 531
- Current team: Arizona Cardinals (Defensive end)
- Education:
Pewaukee High School
Central Michigan University
University of Wisconsin-Madison - Spouse: Kealia Watt (m. 2020)
- Religion: Christian
- Father: John Watt
- Mother: Connie Watt
- J J Watt Wife: Kealia Watt m. 2020
- J J Watt Net Worth: $52 million (Approx)
Early Life of J. J. Watt
J. J. Watt was born on March 22, 1989, in Waukesha, Wisconsin, the son of Connie and John Watt; both of Scottish descent. He has two younger brothers: T.J. Watt and Derek Watt were also American football players at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and both play for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
J. J. Watt started playing American football in the fifth grade, quickly becoming a huge fan. He also played ice hockey from the age of 4 until he was 13 when he stopped due, among others, to financial problems. He attended Pewaukee High School, where he was on the football, basketball, baseball, and track and field teams for four years.
In basketball, he averaged 13 points per game and proved to be an excellent rebounder and blocker. At 15, Watt began to focus more on football. He started out as a reserve quarterback without much success and decided to play as a tight end and a defensive end. It was right in the line of scrimmage where it had the greatest impact. During his senior year, he was selected for the All-State,
All-County, All-Area, All-Conference First Team and won the Woodland Conference Player of the Year Award and Team MVP. In his final year, he scored a total of 399 yards on reception, 26 on an interception return, and 5 touchdowns.
Watt also followed in his father’s footsteps by competing in the shot put during his senior season, earning the selection in the All-State First Team. He captured the state title in the shot put at the 2007 WIAA Division II championship, where he set a new school record with a 59-foot (18.28-meter) throw.
For his academic achievements and contributions in sports, he was elected a member of the National Honor Society, while the school’s football team, the Pirates, withdrew his jersey number. Rated as a two-star (out of five highest) prospectus by both Rivals.com and Scout.com, Watt was not considered to be among the best tight or defensive ends in his class.
Watt nevertheless received the interest of several universities. After visiting Central Michigan University, the University of Colorado at Boulder, and the University of Minnesota, he chose to play for Central Michigan.
Professional Career
2011 Season
In the 2011 season, Watt started all 16 games. At the opening of the season against the Indianapolis Colts, he had five tackles and a fumble recovery on his NFL debut. On November 27, against Jacksonville Jaguars, he made his first multi-sack game with 2 sacks in the 20-13 victory.
He ended the season with 48 individual sacks, eight assisted tackles. The Texans qualified for the playoffs for the first time in the franchise’s history. In the playoffs, Watt recorded 11 individual tackles, three assisted tackles, an interception returned for a touchdown, a defended pass, and four sacks in two games against the Cincinnati Bengals and Baltimore Ravens.
Watt was nominated as Texans Rookie of the Year, USA Today’s Team All-Joe, and Pro-Football Weekly / PWFA’s All-Rookie Team.
2012 season
In 2012, Watt had one of the best seasons for a defensive player in NFL history. Watt ended the season with 69 individual tackles, 12 assisted tackles, 20.5 sacks, 16 defended passes, four forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. Watt was named AFC Defensive Player of the Month in September and December.
On November 22, 2012, in a game against the Detroit Lions, Watt registered three sacks, to give him a total of 14.5 in the season, breaking the record for Texans that belonged to Mario Williams. On December 16, against the Indianapolis Colts, he recorded three sacks and ten tackles in a 29-17 victory.
The Texans went to the playoffs again in 2012 and Watt recorded six tackles, three assisted tackles, two defended passes, and two sacks in two games. Watt ended the season with 2.5 sacks behind Michael Strahan’s 2001 record. Watt was nominated for the 2013 Pro Bowl on December 26, 2012.
Watt was also named as MVP of the USA Football Texans team Fundamentals, PFW All-Pro First Team, Pro Football Weekly/PFWA MVP, AFC Defensive Player of the Year, AP All-Pro First Team, and AP Defensive Player of the Year.
Watt received 49 out of 50 votes for the Defensive Player of the Year award. He is the first Texan player to receive an NFL Player of the Year award. Watt was the 17th player on the defensive line and the eighth defensive end to receive the award since 1971.