Sex, Lives and Football (Players): Watt’s Up with J.J. Watt?

Royal Families can sometimes be hard to follow.  Take for instance the British Royal Family.

Britain’s royal line succession is a complicated hierarchy with Charles, Prince of Whales, first in line.  Prince Charles is the first son of the Queen and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.  Prince William, the first child of Prince Charles and the late Diana, Prince of Whales, is the next in line.  Prince George, the first born of Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, is the third in succession.

With Prince William and Princess Catherine expecting their second son, Prince Henry, the second child of Prince Charles and Diana, will move fifth in line of succession once the baby is born.

Prince Andrew, the second son of the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh and the younger brother of Prince Charles, will be sixth in line for succession.

The line of succession will get even more complicated if Prince William and Princess Catherine have more children (depending on their gender) and once Prince Henry gets married and has children of his own.

Phew.  That made my head spin.  And if you were able to follow all that, you’re a better person than I.

“Royalty” might be inherited in Britain, but in the United States, NFL Royalty is all skill and numbers (of players).

The title of NFL Royal Family is currently held by the Manning Family.  Archie Manning was an NFL quarterback for the New Orleans Saints for eleven years (1971-1982), then went to play for the Houston Oilers and the Minnesota Vikings.  Peyton Manning (39), eldest son of Archie and Olivia, is currently with the Denver Broncos, after 12 years and a Super Bowl win with the Indianapolis Colts.  Eli Manning (34), youngest son of Archie and Olivia, has won two Super Bowls with the New York Giants.

The genealogy is impressive.

But, could there be a new Royal Family coming to the NFL?

The Marlboro Man has nothing on J.J. Watt.  Well, aside from a horse and a nicotine addiction.  A midwestern native, the defensive end (and sometimes tight end) Houston Texan powerhouse has gotten unexpected attention for his athleticism and down to earth personality, building recognition for a position that usually goes unnoticed.

But, J.J. Watt is not the only Watt who plays football.  And soon, he might not be the only Watt in the NFL.

Before you know it, it may be time for the Manning Family to make way.  The Watts are not highly recognized quarterbacks, but the group of Wisconsin brothers – J.J., Derek and T.J. have the game of football coursing through their veins.  Derek (22) and the smallest of the three brothers at 6′ 2” and 236 pounds is considered the smartest of the three, majoring in marketing at the University of Wisconsin.  Playing the position of fullback, Derek is expected to enter the 2016 draft as a top draft pick at his position.  T.J. (19), also attends the University of Wisconsin, is 6′ 5” and 247 pounds, and plays tight end.  He is also expected to enter the NFL after his college career.

First, let’s look at some basic statistics for J.J.:

• Name:  Justin James Watt
• Age: 26 (March 22, 1989) (Update: He’s 30 as of February 2020)
• Hometown: Pewaukee, Wisconsin
• College: University of Wisconsin
• Position: Defensive End
• Team: Houston Texan (2011 NFL 1st round draft pick)
• Height: 6’5”
• Weight: 289
• Arm Length: 34”
• Hand Size: 11 & 1/8”
• Shoe Size: 16
• Favorite Sport: Hockey (I’m not kidding.)

 

And now, let’s take a look some interesting facts:

1) J.J. Watt’s Hometown & Parents

Watt’s hometown of Pewaukee, Wisconsin has a population of 13,000 people and is located a little west of Milwaukee and an hour east of Madison.  John Watt (his father) was a firefighter while Connie Watt (his mother) was the vice president of a building inspection company.  Watt clearly got his work ethic, at least in part, from his parents.

2) J.J. Watt…Pizza Delivery Boy?

Yup.  J.J. Watt played tight end at Central Michigan for one year, than decided to forgo his scholarship there to attend the University of Wisconsin.  In between, while taking community classes at the Waukesha Wisconsin Community College, Watt decided to get a job to earn some money as a Pizza Hut delivery boy.

On one of his deliveries, a 10 year old boy recognized J.J. Watt as the Pewaukee High School star and asked why he wasn’t playing football.  J.J. Watt later commented about the incident:

“That was a powerful day in my life, a humbling moment that reiterated my drive to be a great and get to the top as a football player.”

3) J.J. Watt Has 3 Pro Bowls & 0 Super Bowls

J.J. Watt was a pro-bowler in 2012, 2013, 2014, but the Houston Texans have never been to or won a Super Bowl in franchise history.  Though that hasn’t been for lack of defense.

During his 4 season career, J.J. Watt has started every game (64) accumulating a total of 241 tackles, 54 assists, 57 sacks, 12 forced fumbles and 11 fumble recoveries.  In 2014, Watt had 80 interception return yards, 1 interception return for a touchdown and 5 offensive touchdowns (3 receiving touchdowns and 2 return touchdowns).  These numbers separated Watt from all other defensive players, garnering him the Stephenson Award for the third season in a row.

In the 2014 pro-bowl, Watt was voted defensive MVP and walked away with a GMC SUV.  SWEET!  Just what you need for the winters in Wisconsin.  That and a shovel.

For Watt being defensive MVP he wins this GMC SUV. pic.twitter.com/68uFtew8OG

— John McClain (@McClain_on_NFL) January 26, 2015

4) J.J. Watt is a Wisconsin Badgers Fan

Its no surprise J.J. Watt is a Badgers fan.  Its the BIG TEN school that he attended and played for, and after Wisconsin beat the University of Kentucky, they basically became America’s favorite to win the Championship as well.  Although, it would have been better if it was Notre Dame that beat Kentucky.  I know that has nothing to do with J.J. Watt, but I’m just saying.  Unfortunately, Wisconsin lost to Duke (a team Notre Dame beat twice during the season — not that I’m bitter or anything).  Oh, and here’s J.J. at the Championship game (plus a certain Mr. Rodgers):

5) J.J. Watt’s Girlfriend?

Tennis star Caroline Wozniacki is a girl and probably a friend (information courtesy of Mr. Obvious)…but then again, who wouldn’t want to be friends with J.J. Watt?

However, no source has confirmed that the two are dating.

They were all smiles at the Championship game though…at least until Duke won.

6) J.J. Watt is Charitable

Connie Watt runs daily operations for the Justin J Watt Foundation, providing funding for after school athletics.  Most recently, the New London Middle School was awarded $6,600 by the J.J. Watt foundation for 100 game jerseys for the 7th and 8th grade football team.

The J.J. Watt foundation has donated more than $600,000 towards assisting middle school programs in all sports with uniforms and equipment.

In addition to his foundation, J.J. Watt also frequents childrens’ hospitals, visits young fans and even pretends to marry them for a day.  By the way, that’s way less creepy than it sounds, as he’s actually making dreams come true.  Don’t believe me?  Check out the video:

7) J.J. Watt – Cover Star!

J.J. Watt, who was selected for the 2014 season Pro Bowl, dawned the February 2015 cover of ESPN: The Magazine with Super Bowl half time performer Katty Perry.  Looking back, the ESPN cover should have probably featured the REAL star of the Super Bowl, Left Shark.  Hindsight is so 20/20.

J.J. Watt also appeared on the covers of ESPN: The Magazine for the December 2014 issue and Sports Illustrated for the November 17, 2014 issue.

 

 

 

 

8) J.J. Watt Has a Swanky Off Season Residence

J.J. Watt recently bought a log cabin in Wisconsin.  In an interview, Watt described the place as “minimalist.”

“The only thing I have to focus on is training and that’s the way I like it. There’s no frills.  There’s nothing to distract you up there.”

So, we all pictured a shabby log cabin with a pot belly stove, which was used to cook on as well as to heat up a four hundred square feet cabin (no toilet included), using wood J.J. personally chopped after taking down a tree from his several acre property in the middle of “nowhere” Wisconsin.

Then it was revealed that the property cost $800,000.  That’s a lot to pay for a log cabin with no frills in the middle of nowhere Wisconsin.  So, TMZ did some digging and revealed it wasn’t a “no frills” cabin, but kinda the opposite.

The property is located just outside of Milwaukee, has 4500 sq feet of living space, four bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms all sitting on 35 acres of wilderness (plenty of space for J.J. Watt to train wilderness style…or cut down trees).

Let’s be honest, Watt signed a $100 million dollar contract.  I think we can safely say that a four bedroom and two-half bath (okay, there are also three kitchens on the property) is a humble home for a millionaire celebrity athlete.

9) J.J. Watt Likes to Work Out

Unfortunately, J.J. Watt couldn’t make the 5′ 1” box jump.  It was still incredible just reaching the 5′ 1” height before losing his footing.  But, let’s be honest.  Most of us couldn’t make a 3′ box jump.  And some of us don’t even jump at all.  Not pointing fingers or anything, just saying.

You'll never know what you're truly capable of unless you push yourself to the limits. 5'1" fail. #SpotterStruggles pic.twitter.com/1eM712WBMI

— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) March 17, 2015

But regardless, Watt did manage to jump over Jimmy Kimmel and Guillermo, which is way cooler:

And, if you wish you could do the same, you can also train like J.J. Watt (mostly).

Do you own an Xbox One?

Xbox One and Gatorade Sports Performance Football Training Camp released a series of  workouts with J.J. Watt that you can do in the comfort of your living room.  Jimmy Kimmel and Guillermo not included.  Granted, J.J. Watt could do a million reps of what is actually done in the video, and probably does it in his sleep.  But, its great for beginners.  And those of you who just like to watch J.J. workout.

10) J.J. Watt is a Television Star (Outside of Playing Football)

Most recently, Watt showed up on “The New Girl”, highlighting his appearance with a song about football stadium food.  Mmmm…delicious…  Is there anything this guy can’t do?

And he had a great interview on Jimmy Kimmel after the Pro Bowl:

Plus, who could forget this Verizon NFL Mobile commercial featuring J.J. Watt at an 8th grade dance?

J.J. Watt also played himself in “The League” and takes over Ruxin’s (Nick Kroll) fantasy football team, as they conduct their draft in Las Vegas.  Watt selects, what else, the Houston Texans Defense in the first round.  Blair Walsh, the Minnesota Vikings kicker, then selects himself in the second round.  And for those of you who don’t play fantasy football, there are basically only three rules to follow during a draft:

1. Never select a defense in the first 10 rounds of a draft,
2. Never select a kicker in the first 10 rounds of a draft, and
3. Mock and laugh heartily at anyone who breaks rules 1 or 2.
4. BONUS RULE — Even if someone doesn’t break rules 1 or 2, mock them anyway.

Trust me, it makes fantasy football drafts so much more fun.  Not to mention just making life in general much more fun.  That, and whiskey.

———

With all the negative news about arrests in the NFL, It’s nice to know that there are players that love the game and sacrifice themselves and their time for the betterment of the sport.

J.J. Watt doesn’t stand alone in this, but he is among the few athletes that put family, morals and football before themselves.  Watt is described as a humble man, but don’t let him fool you.  On the field, J.J. Watt is mean as hell, getting the job done.  You don’t have to take my word for it, just watch any Houston Texans game.  Or watch this video.  Just remember, as Watt says in the video, get a good seat and some Sno-Caps before watching the show:

Simply awesome.  But who the heck eats Sno-Caps anymore?  Anyway, hard not to be a fan.

By Joanne Kong

Twitter: @kongfu4u

Want to know MORE about JJ Watt? 

Check out Joanne’s follow up article here on Football Garbage Time!