How long has J.J. Watt been in the NFL? Exploring the career of the Texans and Cardinals superstar

J.J. Watt made a huge announcement on Twitter following his side's loss against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In the post, the three-time Defensive Player of the Year stated that he had just played his final home game in the NFL. The post sent Twitter into a frenzy as the sports world was notified of the legend's impending retirement.

J.J. Watt has been in the NFL since 2011, when he was taken as the eleventh overall pick in the draft by the Houston Texans. Watt was a rock for the Texans as he helped make the side a postseason threat in his time there. Houston have not made the postseason since Watt left to play for the Arizona Cardinals.

Watt is a Houston legend who holds the franchise's career record for sacks and forced fumbles. Watt made the Texans competitive, and it was a sad day when he left the Texans to sign with the Arizona Cardinals.

Watt's time with the Cardinals was less spectacular, as the wear and tear on his body frequently kept him off the field. However, his football IQ worked wonders for the Cardinals, as he helped guide the team to the 2021 playoffs before falling to the Los Angeles Rams.

Watt returned for the 2022 season, where he looked to be in his best form for years. He was one of the few decent spots in a dismal season for the Cardinals, as they were eliminated from playoff contention long before the end of the regular season.

Watt announced via Twitter on December 27 that he would leave the NFL at the end of the season. Thus putting an end to an incredible 12-year NFL career filled with accolades and records.

Is J.J. Watt a Hall of Fame lock?

Yes, J.J. Watt is a lock for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and it is a matter of when rather than if. The three-time winner of the Defensive Player of the Year award was an absolute unit during his prime. Watt was the leader of the Houston Texans' defense and won several accolades for his performances.

During his career, Watt racked up three Defensive Player of the Year awards, the 2017 Walter Payton Man of the Year award, five first-team All-Pro selections, five Pro Bowl selections, and he led the NFL in sacks twice. He was regularly voted one of the best players in the league by his peers, and he influenced a whole generation of defensive ends coming into the league.

Watt's legacy remains untouchable, and his resolve to win the right way was never questioned. J.J. Watt is a lock for the Hall of Fame and it would be a shock if he doesn't make it first ballot.

J.J. Watt's performances this season

While J.J. Watt has been past his prime for a few years now, the legendary defender has had a comeback season of some sort. The defensive end is keeping the Arizona Cardinals' defense respectable with his heroics, and the stats tell the tale.

Watt has recorded 33 tackles (26 solo and 7 assisted), 9.5 sacks, and one forced fumble in 14 games played this season.