Fans who packed the seats at Levi’s Stadium in San Francisco gave veteran Arizona Cardinals defensive end JJ Watt a standing ovation as he walked off the field for the last time of his NFL career.
Watt was clearly emotional as he walked off the field without his helmet, absorbing the moment of the loud roars from the crowd before hugging coaches and teammates.
Watt was also seen blowing a kiss to his wife, Kealia, and their family in a box seat at the stadium. Even 49ers tight end George Kittle was jumping up and down as the stadium cheered Watt.
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JJ Watt #99 of the Arizona Cardinals looks on after the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium on January 8, 2023 in Santa Clara, California.
(Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
The three-time Defensive Player of the Year would say he’d like to walk away with a win, but that ovation is fitting for the 33-year-old. His impact on the field (five Pro Bowls, five-time All-Pro, Hall of Fame All-2010 team and more) as well as off it, winning the Walter Payton Man of the Year award in 2017, is why why many believe Watt may be a member of the first ballot in Canton.
Watt even surprised the Cardinals when he posted on social media that he was retiring. It was the first NFL game for his newborn son, Koa, but it was also the last to see his father on the field.
JJ WATT’S BROTHERS CELEBRATE NFL STAR WHO RETIRES BEFORE FINAL GAME: ‘THIS MEANS THE WORLD TO ME’
«Koa’s first NFL game. My last NFL home game,» Watt wrote in his caption. «My heart is filled with nothing but love and gratitude. It has been an absolute honor and a pleasure.»
Watt also sent out a tweet after the game.
«Sometime in the next few days I will find the right words,» he wrote. «But for now, all I can say is thank you. You have changed my life forever and I am forever grateful.»
JJ Watt #99 of the Arizona Cardinals looks on during the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium on January 8, 2023 in Santa Clara, California.
(Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
The Cardinals were eliminated 38-13, but Watt added two sacks and five total tackles to his career stats before exiting to finish his year with 12.5 sacks. He also had three tackles for loss in the game.
Those two sacks give Watt 114.5 career sacks, per Pro Football Reference, in 151 games.
JJ WATT’S BROTHERS CELEBRATE NFL STAR WHO RETIRES BEFORE FINAL GAME: ‘THIS MEANS THE WORLD TO ME’
Watt’s brothers TJ and Derek, who play for the Pittsburgh Steelers, were seen wearing his Cardinals jersey before donning the black and gold.
«Man, oh man, I wasn’t ready for this this morning,» he said. «I really couldn’t ask for two better brothers. This means a lot to me.»
JJ Watt #99 of the Arizona Cardinals walks off the field after the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium on January 8, 2023 in Santa Clara, California.
(Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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Watt will go down in history as one of the greatest defensive players to ever lace up his guards, and while his energy and aggressive nature between the lines has provided entertainment and inspiration for generations to come, his last moment on the field showed his gratitude and appreciation. . for everyone he has impacted along the way.