NFL World Showers J.J. Watt With Love After Retirement Announcement

Arizona Cardinals defensive end J.J. Watt is calling it quits, as he announced Sunday's 19-16 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was his final time stepping on the grass of State Farm Stadium.

Koa’s first ever NFL game.
My last ever NFL home game.

My heart is filled with nothing but love and gratitude. It’s been an absolute honor and a pleasure.

🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/wXbDUcHM8B
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) December 27, 2022

Watt's career, which spans over 100 sacks and features prestigious accomplishments such as Defensive Player of the Year and Walter Payton Man of the Year, is all but set to end with just two more games left.

While the halls of Canton, OH prepare to welcome him with open arms, the rest of the NFL world sent their warm regards and high praise for one of the best players of his generation, which includes brother T.J. Watt.

Wife Kealia made it known how proud she was:

And teammate Zach Ertz showed love, too.

Twitter

peak J.J. Watt rivaled and probably topped any stretch of defensive play i've ever seen
— Gregg Rosenthal (@greggrosenthal) December 27, 2022

I remember sitting on a bus with J.J. Watt riding back from a donation drop off during Hurricane Harvey. I remember his team of people telling him the insane schedule of national TV appearances that were slated for the next day. I remember seeing him completely overwhelmed (1/3)
— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) December 27, 2022

Congrats on one HELL of a career @JJWatt.. you're an ABSOLUTE LEGEND 👏#PMSLive pic.twitter.com/FGm100aZHD
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) December 27, 2022

Game recognize game 🤝

Congratulations on a great career, @JJWatt. pic.twitter.com/xRJnCDkD91
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) December 27, 2022

It’s been an honor to call your games the last couple years!
— Dave Pasch (@DavePasch) December 27, 2022

Injuries robbed us of a big chunk of the peak of JJ Watt's career and he was STILL a Hall of Famer - that's how good he was.

Moved from an interior lineman to an elite edge and back again over his career.

Still owns the record for most pressures in a single season (119)
— Sam Monson (@SamMonsonNFL) December 27, 2022

.@JJWatt raised over $41 million in relief efforts after Hurricane Harvey.

Hall of Famer on the field and off of it.pic.twitter.com/AC8mYpM7M9
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) December 27, 2022

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