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J.J. Watt is an American former professional football defensive end who played for the Houston Texans and Arizona Cardinals of the NFL. He was selected by the Houston Texans in the first round with the 11th overall pick of the 2011 NFL Draft. He played college football at Central Michigan University and the University of Wisconsin.
This article is about J.J. Watt’s net worth, contract, salary, earnings, biography, stats, wife, and more.
J.J. Watt’s Biography and Career
Justin James Watt was born on March 22, 1989, in Pewaukee, Wisconsin, U.S. He attended Pewaukee High School in Pewaukee, Wisconsin, where he was a four-year letter-winner in football.
College Career
Watt joined Central Michigan University and played college football for the Chippewas in 2007 as a defensive end. At Central Michigan, he played 14 games, compiling 77 receiving yards and 8 receptions.
Watt went to the University of Wisconsin in 2008 and played college football for the Badgers from 2008-2010. In the 2010 season, he finished with 62 combined tackles (42 solo), 7 sacks, 1 interception for 15 yards, and 9 pass deflections. He was named to the First-team All-American (2010), and First-team All-Big Ten (2010).
Professional Career
J.J. Watt was drafted by the Houston Texans in the first round with the 11th overall pick of the 2011 NFL Draft. The defensive end has played 10 seasons with the Texans from 2011-2020, and 2 seasons with the Arizona Cardinals from 2021-2022.
In his rookie season in 2011, Watt started all 16 games and finished with 56 combined tackles ( 49 solo), five and half sacks, 2 fumble recoveries, and 4 pass deflections. He was named to the PFWA ALL-Rookie Team (2011).
In the 2022 season, Watt played for the Arizona Cardinals. Starting all 16 games, he recorded 39 combined tackles (30 solo), 12 and a half sacks, 1 forced fumble, and 7 pass deflections.
Watt is considered to be one of the greatest defensive linemen of all time. He received the AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award 3 times in his first 5 seasons. He was a 5-time Pro Bowl (2012-15, 2018), and was named to the First-team All-Pro 5 times (2012-15, 2018.
J.J. Watt’s Net Worth and Salary
In 2024, defensive end J.J. Watt’s net worth is $55 million. His prime source of earnings is the NFL salaries that he received. His average annual salary was $14 million for the Cardinals.
Contract
In 2021, Watt signed a two-year contract with the Arizona Cardinals, worth $28 million. The contract came with a signing bonus of $12 million and a total guarantee of $23 million.
In 2011, Watt signed a four-year rookie contract with the Houston Texans, worth $11,237,498.
Career Earnings
Watt has played 12 seasons in his career. His career earnings are $129,748,000 only from football salaries.
The following table refers to Watt’s career earnings in 12 seasons.
| Year | Team | Earnings |
| 2011 | Houston Texans | $7,047,728 |
| 2012 | Houston Texans | $885,795 |
| 2013 | Houston Texans | $1,396,590 |
| 2014 | Houston Texans | $10,907,385 |
| 2015 | Houston Texans | $19,969,000 |
| 2016 | Houston Texans | $10,500,000 |
| 2017 | Houston Texans | $10,500,000 |
| 2018 | Houston Texans | $11,000,000 |
| 2019 | Houston Texans | $13,000,000 |
| 2020 | Houston Texans | $15,541,502 |
| 2021 | Arizona Cardinals | $14,500,000 |
| 2022 | Arizona Cardinals | $14,500,000 |
Personal Info
| Full Name | Justin James Watt |
| Born | March 22, 1989 |
| Previous Club | Arizona Cardinals |
| NFL Draft | 2011 / Round: 1 / Pick: 11 |
| Position | Defensive end |
| Shirt No. | 99 |
| Age | 34 |
| Height | 196 cm (6 ft 5 in) |
| Weight | 288 lb (131 kg) |
| Birthplace | Pewaukee, Wisconsin, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Net Worth | $55 million |
| Previous Average Annual Salary | $14 million |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Wife | Kealia Watt |
| @jjwatt |
Wife
J.J. Watt’s gorgeous wife is Kealia Watt. They started dating in 2016 and tied the knot in 2020.
Age
Born on March 22, 1989, he is 34 years old.
Height
He is 196 cm (6 ft 5 in) tall.
Weight
He is 288 lbs (131 kg).
NFL Stats
[As of Week 18, 2022]
| Total Tackles | 586 |
| Sacks | 114.5 |
| Pass Deflections | 70 |
| Forced Fumbles | 27 |
| Fumble Recoveries | 17 |
FAQs
What is J.J. Watt’s Net Worth?
His net worth is $55 million.
How much was his average annual salary?
$14 million.
Which college did he play for?
Central Michigan University, and the University of Wisconsin.
What is his shirt no.?
He wore No. 99 for the Cardinals.
