With a net worth of $70 million, J.J. Watt played as a defensive end for the Houston Texans from 2011 to 2020, and then ended his career with the Arizona Cardinals for two seasons through 2022. Over the course of his career, Watt was known as the “sack master” and won the AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award numerous times. He became the first NFL player in history to rack up more than 20 sacks in two different seasons.
Watt’s success on the field also translated to his earnings. He earned $129 million in total NFL salary, with his highest-paid season being 2020 when he earned $15.5 million from the Houston Texans. In 2014, he signed a six-year $100 million contract with the Texans, making him the NFL’s highest-paid non-quarterback.
Off the field, Watt also earned tens of millions of dollars from endorsements with companies like Reebok, Gatorade, Ford, Verizon, and more. These endorsements could easily earn him $7-$10 million per year
A career to be remembered
Born on March 22nd, 1989, in Pewaukee, Wisconsin, Justin James Watt fell in love with both ice hockey and football during his youth. At the age of 13, he abandoned hockey and focused completely on football. During his high school years, he played football, basketball, baseball, and track & field. He became passionate about football during this period and led his team to considerable achievements. Despite his achievements, Watt was not heavily recruited by universities.
Watt eventually received a scholarship to play for Central Michigan University but moved to the University of Wisconsin after one year to play as a defensive end. It was during this period that he started sacking quarterbacks like no tomorrow. During the 2010 season, he accumulated 42 solo tackles, 20 assisted tackles, 21 tackles for loss, and seven sacks.
Starting his career with the Texans in 2011, Watt immediately became a starter and a key player for the team. He finished his rookie year with more than 5 sacks and helped Houston qualify for the playoffs for the first time in their history. He truly made a name for himself in 2012 when he racked up over 20 sacks in what has been called one of the best seasons for any defensive end in NFL history.
Reflecting on his career, Watt said: “I am grateful for everything that has happened in my career and I am excited about what is yet to come.” Fans and fellow players alike have expressed their admiration for Watt’s contributions to the sport. As former teammate DeAndre Hopkins said, “You will always be a legend in Houston.”