(Photo by Mike Lawrie/Getty Images)
Former Houston Texans star J.J. 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 evident that he could make an impact, as he had 12.5 sacks in his final season with the Arizona Cardinals.
Even so, the star pass-rusher believes that the birth of his son, Koa James Watt, made him put things into perspective and realize that football wasn’t the most important thing in his life anymore:
“You can still put in the same time and energy and effort but it’s not the singularly most important thing in your life anymore,” Watt said, on Long’s podcast. “It definitely played a factor but I wouldn’t say it wasn’t the largest. I wanted him to see me play, even though he’ll never ever remember it, I wanted to have those photos, I think it was cool to have him on the field with me for two games this year.”
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.
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) December 27, 2022
Moreover, Watt admits that keeping up with the same standards of preparation had become increasingly difficult, mostly because his body didn’t respond the same way as the years went by.
He knew he could still play and prepare for the season, but he also knew it was going to be harder than ever.
Also, he went into atrial fibrillation, which also played a big factor in his decision to retire.
Through 12 seasons, the former Defensive Player of the Year logged a whopping 114.5 sacks, 586 tackles, two picks, and three touchdowns, and he’ll go down as one of the most dominant players of the past two decades.
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