The Watt Brothers: Everything to Know About the NFL FamilyThe Watt Brothers: Everything to Know About the NFL Family…read more…

The Watt Brothers: Everything to Know About the NFL FamilyThe Watt Brothers: Everything to Know About the NFL Family…read more…

The Watt brothers—J.J., Derek, and T.J.—have become synonymous with excellence in the NFL, each carving out a unique path while sharing a common foundation of hard work, resilience, and family support.

J.J. Watt: The Trailblazer

Born on March 22, 1989, in Pewaukee, Wisconsin, J.J. Watt emerged as a dominant force in the NFL after being selected 11th overall by the Houston Texans in the 2011 NFL Draft. During his illustrious career, he earned three NFL Defensive Player of the Year awards (2012, 2014, 2015), five Pro Bowl selections, and five First-Team All-Pro honors. J.J. concluded his career with 114.5 sacks and 586 total tackles, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest defensive linemen in NFL history. After retiring in 2022, he transitioned to broadcasting, joining CBS Sports as an analyst, and expanded his ventures by becoming a minority investor in Burnley F.C.

Derek Watt: The Unsung Hero

Derek Watt, born on November 7, 1992, also hailing from Pewaukee, played as a fullback in the NFL. Drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the sixth round of the 2016 NFL Draft, he contributed primarily on special teams and as a blocker. In 2020, Derek signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers, reuniting with his younger brother T.J. He announced his retirement from professional football in March 2024, expressing gratitude for his journey and the support of his family.

T.J. Watt: The Continuing Legacy

The youngest of the trio, T.J. Watt, born on October 11, 1994, has established himself as one of the premier defensive players in the league. Drafted 30th overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2017 NFL Draft, T.J. quickly made an impact, earning the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award in 2021 and tying the single-season sack record with 22.5 sacks. As of the end of the 2024 season, he has accumulated 108 sacks, 33 forced fumbles, and seven Pro Bowl selections. T.J. continues to be a cornerstone of the Steelers’ defense and is in discussions for a contract extension to remain with the team long-term.

A Family Built on Support and Competition

The Watt brothers’ success is rooted in their upbringing in Pewaukee, Wisconsin, where their parents, John and Connie Watt, instilled values of dedication and perseverance. All three brothers attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, further strengthening their bond. Their competitive nature was evident from a young age, often pushing each other to excel in various sports. Beyond the gridiron, the brothers have showcased their camaraderie by co-hosting the television show “Ultimate Tag” in 2020, highlighting their dynamic personalities and close-knit relationship.

As T.J. continues to dominate on the field, the legacy of the Watt family serves as an inspiration, demonstrating how talent, when combined with hard work and familial support, can lead to extraordinary achievements in professional sports.