Defensive superstar J.J. Watt revealed that the birth of his son, Koa James Watt, this past fall impacted the three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year’s decision to retire after the 2022 season.
“You can still put in the same time and energy and effort but it’s not the singularly most important thing in your life anymore,” Watt explained during an edition of the “Green Light with Chris Long” podcast, per Nikki Chavanelle of On3. “It definitely played a factor but I wouldn’t say it wasn’t the largest. I wanted him to see me play, even though he’ll never ever remember it. I wanted to have those photos. I think it was cool to have him on the field with me for two games this year.”
Watt confirmed in late December he’d retire following Week 18 and seemingly has no regrets about that call. While the future Hall of Famer who grew up in Wisconsin suggested this spring a part of him previously wanted to ride off into the sunset as a member of the Green Bay Packers, Charean Williams of Pro Football Talk noted that Watt said in May he’s “very at peace with my decision” to call time on his career at the age of 34.
The Houston Texans, Watt’s first NFL home from 2011 through the 2020 campaign, plan to induct the 2017 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award winner into their Ring of Honor this October. Additionally, Watt could work as an NFL analyst for CBS or a different outlet as soon as this coming season.
“In terms of the actual retirement, it was much more physical and mental than anything else,” Watt told Long about not returning to play later this year. “You guys know better than anybody how much it takes physically and mentally to prepare every season especially as you get later and later in your career…Can I still do it? Absolutely. Do I have to work significantly harder… yes. That’s the part I didn’t want to have to do anymore.”
Watt is keeping busy thanks to fatherhood and projects such as serving as a minority investor in Premier League club Burnley FC. While he indicated he could contribute for a contender this fall, it sounds like his days of chasing a Super Bowl ring are over.
