There’s been a long list of successful Wisconsin Badger football players. Whether they had great careers on or off the field, they are the ones easily remembered by fans. When you think of these successful players, JJ Watt should be one of the first names that come to mind. Watt’s journey to Wisconsin wasn’t like most players. Today, it has been announced that JJ Watt has been enshrined into the UW Athletic Hall of Fame.
Journey To Wisconsin
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Growing up only 70 miles from Madison in the village of Pewaukee, Watt was not recruited by Wisconsin. Instead, he took his talents to Central Michigan as a tight end. After one year, he decided to leave Central Michigan and walk on for the Badgers, his hometown team.
After beginning on the scout team in 2008, Watt quickly earned a scholarship. It was all history from there. Watt quickly became a force on the defensive line, especially in the 2010 season. His 2010 season earned him Big Ten honors and All-American honors. My best memory of Watt in the 2010 season was his game against #1 Ohio State. Watt was a force all game and recorded multiple sacks on Buckeyes quarterback Terrell Pryor. JJ Watt was a huge reason Wisconsin went to the Rose Bowl that season.
Career In The NFL
Watt’s excellent Wisconsin career resulted in him being drafted 11th overall in the 2011 NFL Draft by the Houston Texans. In 143 career games, Watt recorded 520 tackles and 111 sacks. He also had three career receiving touchdowns. He played for the Texans from 2011-2020 and played the 2021 and 2022 seasons in Arizona. Watt announced his retirement last season with two games left in the regular season. JJ Watt was NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2012, 2014, and 2015, a five time pro bowl selections, and five time first team all pro.
While his stats over the course of his career are incredible and NFL Hall of Fame worthy, it was the off the field work that makes Watt an incredible human being. In 2017, Watt was awarded the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award. It’s an amazing award for off the field work in the community and an award a lot of players dream about winning.
Today, according to the UW press release: “Watt recently announced that he and his wife Kealia, who has played soccer professionally in the NWSL, have become minority owners in English soccer club Burnley. Watt has been active in promoting the club and will continue to be visible as the squad begins its 2023-24 season in the Premier League this fall.”
What an accomplishment for an amazing player and an amazing person. Wisconsin is so fortunate to have an individual like JJ Watt.
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