Cardinals star defensive end J.J. Watt to retire at end of 2022 NFL season

J.J. Watt of Pewaukee, Wisconsin, one of the National Football League’s most intimidating defensive ends over the last decade, announced his plans to retire at the end of the 2022 NFL regular season on Tuesday, according to David Brandt of the Associated Press. Watt, who was selected to the Pro Bowl while with the Houston Texans in 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2018, had spent the last two seasons with the Arizona Cardinals in 2021 and 2022, after being with the Texans for his first 10 NFL seasons from 2011 to 2020.

In 2022 with the Cardinals, Watt had 33 combined tackles (26 solo tackles and seven assisted tackles), 14 tackles for a loss, 21 quarterback hits, 9.5 sacks, six pass deflections, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. Watt’s fumble recovery came in a 27-17 Cardinals win over the Los Angeles Rams on November 13.

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In 149 regular season games, Watt has 580 combined tackles (445 solo tackles and 135 assisted tackles), 191 tackles for a loss, 313 quarterback hits, one safety, two interceptions for 99 yards and two touchdowns, 69 pass deflections, 27 forced fumbles, 17 fumble recoveries for 68 yards and one touchdown from a fumble recovery, and 111.5 sacks. Watt’s first pick six was for 80 yards and came in a 23-17 Texans win over the Buffalo Bills on September 28, 2014, and his second pick six was for 19 yards and came in a 41-25 Texans win over the Detroit Lions on November 26, 2020. Watt’s safety came in a 23-17 Texans win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on December 28, 2014.

Watt has also led the NFL in defensive categories in his career. In 2012, he led the NFL with 39 tackles for a loss, and 20.5 sacks. In 2014, Watt led the NFL with 29 tackles for a loss. In 2015, he led the NFL with 29 tackles for a loss, and 17.5 sacks. In 2012, 2014 and 2015, Watt was the Associated Press Defensive Player of the Year.

It should be noted that the Cardinals still have two more games this season. They are in Atlanta on New Year’s Day, and in San Francisco on September 8.

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