Justin James Watt, a renowned figure in the National Football League (NFL), is widely regarded as one of the greatest defensive linemen in history. Drafted 11th overall by the Houston Texans in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft, Watt quickly made his mark by starting all 16 games in his rookie season. His impressive statistics included 5.5 sacks and an interception returned for a touchdown during the playoffs, earning him recognition on multiple All-Rookie teams.
Throughout his 12-season career, Watt garnered numerous accolades, including three AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year awards within his first five years. His standout 2012 season saw him record 20.5 sacks, breaking franchise records and almost surpassing the single-season sack record. Watt continued his dominance in subsequent years, including a historic six-year, $100 million contract extension in 2014, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history at that time.
In 2021, he signed with the Arizona Cardinals, concluding his career with impressive stats, including a total of 12.5 sacks in his final season. Beyond his on-field success, Watt became known for his significant philanthropic efforts, raising over $37 million for Hurricane Harvey relief and founding the Justin J. Watt Foundation to support youth athletics.
Following his retirement in 2023, Watt transitioned to a role as a studio analyst for The NFL Today while continuing his philanthropic endeavors. His legacy in Football and community service positions him as a respected leader and role model for aspiring athletes.
