Former Houston Texans star JJ Watt has been all over the news lately after the announcement of his induction into the team’s Ring of Honor.
That’s why he sat down with Chris Long on the Green Light podcast to talk about some of the key things that made him retire from the NFL at just 34 years old.
Watt had struggled with injuries prior to the announcement, but it was still clear he could make an impact, as he had 12.5 sacks in his final season with the Arizona Cardinals.
Even so, the pass-rusher star believes that the birth of his son, Koa James Watt, made him put things in perspective and realize that football was no longer the most important thing in his life:
“You can still put in the same time, energy and effort, but it’s not the most important thing in your life anymore,” Watt said, on Long’s podcast. “He definitely played a factor, but I wouldn’t say it wasn’t the biggest. I wanted him to see me play, although he’ll never remember, he wanted to have those pictures, I think it was great to have him on the field with me for two games this year.”
Koa’s first NFL game.
My last NFL home game.My heart is filled with nothing but love and gratitude. It has been an absolute honor and a pleasure.
—JJ Watt (@JJWatt) December 27, 2022
What’s more, Watt admits that keeping up with the same standards of preparation had become increasingly difficult, mainly because his body didn’t respond in the same way over the years.
I knew that I could still play and prepare for the season, but I also knew that it was going to be more difficult than ever.
Additionally, he suffered from atrial fibrillation, which also played a major factor in his decision to retire.
Through 12 seasons, the former Defensive Player of the Year posted a whopping 114.5 sacks, 586 tackles, two interceptions and three touchdowns, and will go down as one of the most dominant players of the past two decades.
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