J.J. Watt Announces Retirement from NFL, Welcomes Newborn Son, Koa
By Movieguide® Staff
NFL superstar JJ Watt recently announced his retirement after his final home game with the Arizona Cardinals this season.
The 33-year-old recently had his first child with his wife, Kealia.
“Koa’s first ever NFL game, my last ever NFL home game,” Watt wrote in a Tweet. “My heart is filled with nothing but love and gratitude. It’s been an absolute honor and a pleasure.”
“Love and happiness have reached heights we never even knew existed,” he wrote in a post about the birth of his first son. “Koa James Watt 10.23.22.”
While the Cardinals still have two games to play this season, they are out of Playoff contention and have no more games scheduled at their home stadium.
Watt signed with the Houston Texans where he spent the majority of his career, until signing with the Cardinals in 2021. Over the course of his career, Watt earned three Defensive Player of the Year titles.
The future hall of famer is also known for his charity off the field. In 2017 he raised millions of dollars to aid families affected by Hurricane Harvey in 2017.
Movieguide® previously reported:
NFL star JJ Watt went above and beyond for one fan after seeing her post about raising money for her grandfather’s funeral.
“I have a pair of @JJWatt womens edition of Reebok shoes size 9 $60. I’ve worn them twice. They are great shoes, im only selling because we are raising money for my grandpas funeral. I also have a Watt womens XL Texans Jersey $30. Anyone interested?” Jennifer Simpson tweeted alongside photos of the shoes.
Watt quickly responded to her post, writing, “Don’t sell your shoes and jersey, we’ll help with the funeral. I’m sorry for your loss,” alongside a prayer emoji.
Watt’s tweet set off a chain reaction of others who stepped up to donate for Simpson’s grandfather’s funeral.
“Thank you @JJWatt so much for your generosity and for starting a movement proving the good in the world. I’m truly grateful for all of y’all,” she tweeted.
This isn’t the only time Watt has used his influence for good. The football player has a long history of helping people in need, from raising upwards of $40 million for victims of Hurricane Harvey in the Houston area, to donating meals to the Houston Food Bank.
“As I reflect on the events of Hurricane Harvey one year ago, the memories of destruction and devastation remain, but they are accompanied by memories of hope, selflessness and the beauty of the human spirit,” Watt said in a statement released by his foundation. “I was fortunate enough to witness that generosity first hand, as the fundraiser that I started with a simple goal of $200,000 turned into an unbelievable outpouring of support from people all around the globe.”
