The Watt family revolves around football. J.J., Derek, and T.J. Watt, three brothers from Pewaukee, Wisconsin, started their football journeys in high school and continued playing in college at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
All three brothers have transitioned to the NFL, earning numerous accolades and signing significant contracts.
This article delves into their family dynamics, professional careers, and off-field bonds.
THE WATT BROTHERSThe Family of Watt Brothers
The Watt brothers, J.J., Derek, and T.J., hail from a sports-loving family. J.J. Watt, the eldest, was born on March 22, 1989, followed by Derek, born on November 7, 1992, and T.J. Watt, the youngest, whose birth date is not specified.
Their parents, Connie and John, provided a supportive environment for their sons’ athletic endeavors.
Connie works as a building operations vice president, while John serves as a firefighter.
Together, they nurtured their sons’ passion for sports, ultimately leading all three to successful careers in the NFL.
J.J. Watt
J.J. Watt’s football journey began in high school, where he excelled in multiple sports.
He committed to Central Michigan University before transferring to the University of Wisconsin-Madison as a defensive end.
In the 2011 NFL draft, he was selected 11th overall by the Houston Texans.
Over ten seasons, he set franchise records, earned five Pro Bowl selections, and garnered three Defensive Player of the Year titles.
Despite a career-threatening injury in 2019, he continued to make a significant impact on and off the field, including hosting Saturday Night Live.
After retiring in 2022, he joined Burnley FC’s ownership team and became a CBS Sports analyst.
Derek Watt
Like his older brother, Derek Watt played football at Pewaukee High School before committing to the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
He transitioned from his high school position to become a fullback at the university, where he played from 2011 to 2015, overlapping with his younger brother T.J. on the team from 2013 to 2015.
In the 2016 NFL draft, Derek was selected by the San Diego Chargers (now Los Angeles Chargers) in the sixth round as the 198th overall pick.
He made his NFL debut against the Kansas City Chiefs on September 11, 2016, and played in all 16 games each season during his four years with the Chargers.
In 2015, Derek began dating Gabriella Justin, and they married in a beachfront ceremony in Miami, Florida, on February 17, 2018.
They welcomed their first son, Logan James Watt, on the same date in 2019 and their second son, Brayden George Watt, on December 9, 2020.
In March 2020, Derek signed a three-year, $9.75 million contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, his contract was not renewed ahead of the 2023 season, making him a free agent.
T.J. Watt
After high school, T.J. Watt joined the Wisconsin Badgers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison as a tight end.
An injury in the 2014 season affected his sophomore year in 2015, prompting a switch to a defensive position midway through the season.
He earned first-team All-American honors from Sports Illustrated and second-team honors from The Associated Press in 2016, along with first-team All-Big Ten Conference recognition.
Watt declared for the 2017 NFL draft via Twitter on January 3, 2017, forgoing his senior season.
The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted him in the first round as the 30th overall pick and signed him to a four-year, $9.25 million contract.
He debuted on September 10, 2017, and was a finalist for the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award in 2019 and 2020, winning it in 2021.
He signed a four-year extension with the Steelers in 2021, becoming the league’s highest-paid defensive player. Despite his achievements, he’s often compared to his brother, J.J.
Net worth & Salaries
In the world of wealth and earnings, J.J. Watt has solidified himself as one of football’s wealthiest figures.
Throughout his seven-year stint with the Houston Texans, he’s amassed an impressive net worth of $50 million.
On March 26, 2020, Derek Watt secured a significant milestone in his career by inking a lucrative $9.75 million deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers, signaling a new chapter in his NFL journey.
T.J. Watt’s financial prosperity largely derives from his esteemed football career. He holds the distinction of being the NFL’s highest-paid defensive player.
He is boasting a remarkable net worth of $112 million, including a substantial $80 million bonus.
Additionally, he commands an annual average salary of $28 million.
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