JJ Watt is a renowned professional football player, who was drafted as the 11th overall pick by the Houston Texans in the 2011 NFL Draft. Growing up in Pewaukee, Wisconsin, alongside his younger brothers TJ and Derek, the trio all pursued college football careers at the University of Wisconsin, following JJ's brief stint at Central Michigan University as a walk-on Defensive End.
During his senior year at Wisconsin in 2010, JJ received numerous accolades, including the prestigious Ronnie Lott Trophy, recognizing his exceptional character and performance on the field. He was also voted Second Team All-American by Sports Illustrated and the Associated Press, selected to the All Big-Ten First Team, and named the Wisconsin Team MVP.
Throughout his eight-year tenure in the NFL, JJ has achieved numerous impressive feats, including winning the AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award a staggering three times. He has been a five-time NFL Pro Bowl selection and was honored as Sportsperson of the Year by Sports Illustrated. JJ holds the Houston Texans' franchise records for both sacks and forced fumbles, and in 2014, he became the first player in NFL history to record two 20+ sack seasons in a career.
Beyond his remarkable football career, JJ is the President and Founder of the JJ Watt Foundation, an organization established in 2011 to support after-school athletic programs for children in various communities. In 2017, he launched a social media campaign to aid those affected by Hurricane Harvey, ultimately raising an astonishing $41 million, far surpassing his initial goal of $200,000.
