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7 Shocking Ways J.J. Watt And T.J. Watt Are Still Dominating Sports In 2024

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The Watt brothers continue to be one of the most dominant and compelling stories in professional sports, even as their careers diverge in 2024. While J.J. Watt has transitioned from the gridiron to the broadcast booth and the boardroom, his younger brother, T.J. Watt, remains one of the NFL's most feared and productive defensive players, solidifying a legacy that rivals his older sibling's. This deep dive, updated for December 2025, explores the latest career moves, personal milestones, and the incredible, record-breaking comparisons between these two defensive titans.

The family's football journey gained a new, significant chapter in 2024 with the retirement of the third brother, Derek Watt, adding a sense of finality to one generation's playing career and highlighting the enduring impact of the entire Watt family on the National Football League. From Wisconsin to the global stage, the "Dream Big. Work Hard." mantra they share continues to drive their success, both on and off the field.

The Complete Watt Brothers Biography and Profile

The Watt family, originally from Pewaukee, Wisconsin, has produced three professional football players, each achieving significant success in the NFL. The following profiles outline the key biographical details for the two most prominent siblings, Justin "J.J." Watt and Trent "T.J." Watt, along with their fullback brother, Derek Watt.

  • Justin "J.J." James Watt

    • Born: March 22, 1989 (Age 36 in 2025)
    • Hometown: Pewaukee, Wisconsin
    • College: University of Wisconsin–Madison
    • NFL Draft: 2011, Round 1, Pick 11 (Houston Texans)
    • Primary Teams: Houston Texans (2011–2020), Arizona Cardinals (2021–2022)
    • Key Accolades: 3x NFL Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY), 5x Pro Bowl, 5x First-team All-Pro.
    • Current Status (2025): Retired (since 2022). NFL Analyst for CBS Sports and Co-owner of Burnley FC.

  • Trent "T.J." Jordan Watt

    • Born: October 11, 1994 (Age 31 in 2025)
    • Hometown: Pewaukee, Wisconsin
    • College: University of Wisconsin–Madison
    • NFL Draft: 2017, Round 1, Pick 30 (Pittsburgh Steelers)
    • Primary Team: Pittsburgh Steelers (2017–Present)
    • Key Accolades: 1x NFL Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY), 7x Pro Bowl, 4x First-team All-Pro, NFL single-season sack record (tied).
    • Current Status (2025): Active Player, Pittsburgh Steelers Edge Rusher.

  • Derek John Watt

    • Born: November 7, 1992 (Age 33 in 2025)
    • Hometown: Pewaukee, Wisconsin
    • College: University of Wisconsin–Madison
    • NFL Draft: 2016, Round 6, Pick 198 (San Diego Chargers)
    • Primary Teams: San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers (2016–2019), Pittsburgh Steelers (2020–2022)
    • Current Status (2025): Announced retirement from professional football in March 2024.

1. The Post-Retirement Power Play: J.J. Watt’s New Global Empire

J.J. Watt’s retirement from the NFL at the end of the 2022 season was merely a career pivot, not a slowdown. In 2024 and 2025, he has aggressively pursued new ventures that solidify his status as a business and media mogul.

From Defensive End to Football Club Co-Owner

One of J.J.'s most high-profile moves was his investment in and co-ownership of Burnley Football Club, a professional soccer team in the English Premier League (EPL). This move, announced shortly after his retirement, was a calculated step into global sports ownership, demonstrating his interest in tackling the "adrenaline void" left by his playing career. His active role in promoting the club and engaging with the fanbase has drawn significant attention, merging his American sports celebrity with the world's most popular sport.

The Rise of the Analyst J.J. Watt

Beyond his investment portfolio, J.J. has quickly become a respected voice in NFL media. He joined CBS Sports as an NFL studio analyst, regularly appearing on "The NFL Today." His insights are sharp, leveraging his experience as a three-time Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) to break down complex defensive schemes and player performances. He also remains a popular and frequent commentator on the Pat McAfee Show, maintaining a strong connection with a younger, highly engaged football audience.

2. T.J. Watt’s 2025 Season: Chasing the Single-Season Sack Record (Again)

While J.J. is building his empire, T.J. is focused on extending his on-field dominance with the Pittsburgh Steelers. As of the 2025 season, T.J. Watt remains one of the league's most valuable players, consistently leading the NFL in key defensive metrics. Despite some analyst predictions of a slight dip in production after a quiet finish to the 2023 season, T.J. is widely expected to remain among the league's elite defenders.

His 2024 performance was another Pro Bowl-caliber year, a testament to his elite pass-rushing skills and ability to stay healthy. T.J. Watt's game is defined by his relentless motor and ability to generate pressure, making him the centerpiece of the Steelers’ defense. The 2025 season presents a fresh opportunity for him to once again challenge the NFL's single-season sack record, which he currently shares with Michael Strahan at 22.5 sacks.

3. The Ultimate Career Comparison: Sacks, DPOYs, and Immortality

The most compelling narrative surrounding the Watt brothers is the head-to-head comparison of their legendary careers. Both J.J. and T.J. have earned the coveted Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) award, placing them in an exclusive group of defensive icons. However, the career stat race has seen a significant shift in recent years.

T.J. Surpasses J.J. in Career Sacks

A major milestone was reached when T.J. Watt surpassed his older brother’s career sack total. J.J. Watt finished his career with 114.5 sacks over 151 games, an incredible number for a defensive end. T.J. is still active and has already eclipsed that mark, putting him on a trajectory to finish his career far ahead of J.J. in the all-time sack rankings. This achievement is a testament to T.J.’s consistency and longevity, especially given J.J.'s later career was hampered by injuries.

The DPOY Race: J.J. Still Leads the Hardware

While T.J. has the edge in total sacks, J.J. still holds the lead in the most prestigious individual defensive award: Defensive Player of the Year. J.J. won the award three times (2012, 2014, 2015), tying him with Lawrence Taylor and Aaron Donald for the most in NFL history. T.J. has won the award once (2021). If T.J. were to secure a second DPOY award, the debate over who had the greater career would intensify even further.

4. The Financial Titans: Contracts and Endorsements

The Watt brothers have also set records in the financial realm, becoming some of the highest-paid defensive players in NFL history.

  • T.J. Watt's Record Contract: T.J. signed a massive four-year, $112 million contract extension with the Steelers in 2021, making him one of the highest-paid non-quarterbacks in the league at the time. His 2025 salary structure, including a significant base salary and signing bonus allocation, keeps him among the NFL’s top earners. His endorsements include major brands like Capital One and Panini.
  • J.J. Watt's Investment Portfolio: J.J.'s net worth continues to grow through smart investments post-retirement. His stake in Burnley FC is a long-term asset, and his lucrative contract with CBS Sports ensures his earnings continue to flow, solidifying his status as a financial powerhouse.

5. The Unwavering Legacy of the J.J. Watt Foundation

The Watt brothers’ influence extends far beyond their professional earnings and on-field accomplishments, rooted deeply in their charitable work. The Justin J. Watt Foundation, established by J.J., has become a major philanthropic entity, with T.J. and Derek both heavily involved.

The foundation’s core mission is to provide funding for middle school after-school athletic programs and organizations that lack sufficient financial resources. This focus on early athletic development reflects the brothers' own upbringing and their belief in the power of sports. As of recent updates, the foundation has provided funding in excess of $6.9 million, directly impacting the lives of countless young athletes. This philanthropic work is a cornerstone of the Watt family legacy, often eclipsing their football achievements in terms of community impact.

6. The 'Dream Big. Work Hard.' Philosophy

The mantra "Dream Big. Work Hard." is more than just a tagline; it is the philosophical core of the Watt family's success. It was a daily word of wisdom from their father, and it has guided all three brothers from their high school days in Pewaukee, Wisconsin, through their collegiate careers at the University of Wisconsin, and into the NFL.

This simple, powerful message is the driving force behind the foundation's work and is often cited by both J.J. and T.J. as the key to their relentless work ethic and ability to overcome injuries and setbacks. It is the intangible entity that ties their careers together, providing a compelling narrative of dedication and perseverance that resonates with fans globally.

7. Derek Watt’s 2024 Retirement and the Next Generation

The final piece of the playing-career puzzle fell into place in March 2024 when Derek Watt, the middle brother and a respected fullback, announced his retirement from the NFL. This marked the end of the trio's simultaneous presence in the league, a unique feat in modern professional sports.

With J.J. and Derek now retired, the focus shifts entirely to T.J.’s ongoing quest for championships and individual accolades, as well as the potential for the next generation of Watts to carry the torch. J.J. and his wife, Kealia Watt, have a son, and T.J. is also starting his family, ensuring the Watt family name will remain a fixture in the sports world for years to come.

jj watt and tj watt
jj watt and tj watt

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