Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt and his younger brother Derek, along with other NFL greats and family members, filmed an emotional surprise tribute for their older brother J.J. on the eve of his retirement. The footage, which was played during an Arizona Cardinals team meeting, brought J.J. to tears.
Kealia Watt, J.J. Watt, Gabriella Watt, Derek Watt, T. J. Watt and Dani Rhodes attend the 11th annual NFL Honors on Feb. 10, 2022, at YouTube Theater in Inglewood, California / Photo Credit: AMY SUSSMAN / GETTY IMAGES
J.J. is a defensive end for the Cardinals, he was drafted by and began his football career with the Houston Texans. After playing 12 seasons, J.J. is retiring. The Cardinals have been participating in the HBO series, Hard Knocks this season. When Tuesday's episode aired, Cardinals former Defensive Coordinator and Interim Head Coach, Vance Joseph, announced that he had a surprise special message for J.J., one he hoped he would like.
When you wrap up a career that is like the one J.J. is wrapping up, you deserve all the honors. As the sun went down on Watt's career he ended it with 151 games, 114.5 sacks - leading the NFL in two different years and 586 tackles. He has been the NFL Defensive Player of the Year three times, the Walter Peyton Man of the Year and has been selected to five Pro Bowls.
Steelers T.J. and Derek Watt Among Players Giving Emotional Tribute
The scene cuts to a huge screen on the wall of the meeting room and immediately the Steelers' star pops up with a message honoring his big brother.
"Brother, I just wanted to say, congratulations on your retirement. You and your resiliency throughout all the ups and downs, you ending up in the NFL, and you being Defensive Player of the Year and you having all the successes that you had, showed me, that it's possible," T.J. said.
The camera rolls back to J.J. and he is wracked with sobs, clearly emotional over the tribute. The video continues showing some NFL greats both past and present including Dak Prescott, Peyton Manning, Aaron Rogers and Tom Brady who remarked what a pain in the ass Watt had been on the field for him for years. The next player to appear is Derek Watt.
JJ Watt (left), Derek Watt (middle), and TJ Watt (right) smile for the camera at the NFL Honors 2022. | Photo by ODU.bz
"Congrats on your retirement and Hall of Fame career. It's been so special to have a front-row seat to it all and I couldn't be more proud of you. Love you, bro."
Finally, T.J.'s parents, John and Connie as well as his wife Kealia and his son Koa make appearances. They all echo the same sentiments letting him know how proud they are of him, of his hard work, dedication and for never losing sight of who he is as a human.
Photo Credit: Steelers.com
T.J. was emotional throughout the entire video and took to Twitter to express his appreciation.
Was not ready for that whatsoever.
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) January 11, 2023
Truly one of the greatest gifts I’ve ever received.
Will cherish it forever. https://t.co/XvRr7PqeRV
Congratulations to J.J. on an amazing career. Steelers fans are grateful for him forging the path that ultimately led to T.J. and Derek coming to Pittsburgh. What is your favorite J.J. Watt memory? What was the most amazing play you ever saw him make? Comment below.
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