J.J. Watt, the Arizona Cardinals defensive end who has been one of the most dominant players at his position for much of the past decade, winning three NFL Defensive Player of the Year Awards and almost certainly securing a future spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, indicated Tuesday that this season would be his last in the league.
Watt posted pictures on Twitter that showed him; his wife, Kealia; and their infant son, Koa, on the field at the Cardinals’ stadium and wrote: "Koa’s first ever NFL game. My last ever NFL home game. My heart is filled with nothing but love and gratitude. It’s been an absolute honor and a pleasure.” The Cardinals’ final two games of the regular season will be on the road, and, at 4-11, they have been eliminated from playoff contention.
Watt, 33, who played for Central Michigan and Wisconsin in college, was drafted No. 11 overall by the Houston Texans in the 2011 draft. At 6-foot-5 and nearly 300 pounds, Watt quickly became one of the NFL’s most disruptive defensive players, compiling four seasons with at least 15 sacks.