J.J. Watt, a retired American professional football player, has made a significant impact on the field and off it during his 12-year NFL career. Playing as a defensive end, Watt garnered numerous awards and records, making him one of the most celebrated athletes in recent times. As a result of his successful career, he has accumulated a sizable net worth, which is indicative of both his talent and the lucrative opportunities he seized throughout his time in the NFL.
As of 2023, J.J. Watt’s estimated net worth is around $54 million. This amount primarily comes from his professional contracts, such as the six-year $100 million deal he signed with the Houston Texans, as well as endorsement deals and investments he made off the field. Watt’s ability to balance his game responsibilities with his personal branding made him not only a valuable player on the field but also a financially successful icon.
Net Worth
JJ Watt, a retired American professional football player, has accumulated a significant net worth throughout his successful career. According to Celebrity Net Worth, his net worth stands at an impressive $70 million.
Watt’s earnings have been bolstered by various sources, including the generous contracts he signed as a high-performing athlete in the NFL. One of these contracts, as mentioned by Forbes, was a two-year deal with the Cardinals, which he signed in March 2021.
Throughout his 12-year NFL career, Watt managed to achieve a high annual salary of $16 million, as reported by Market Realist. This consistent income, combined with his deals and endorsements, contributed to his overall net worth.
It’s essential to note that the previously mentioned data may change over time, as new information becomes available or as JJ Watt’s financial situation evolves. However, the current information clearly demonstrates that Watt has successfully built a significant net worth during his time in the NFL.
Early Life
Justin James Watt, also known as J.J. Watt, was born on March 22, 1989, in Waukesha, Wisconsin. His parents, Connie and John Watt, raised him along with his two younger brothers, Derek and T.J., who are also professional football players. J.J. Watt developed a passion for sports from an early age, with football being his favorite.
J.J. attended Pewaukee High School, where he excelled in multiple sports, including football, basketball, and track and field. As a football player, he earned several honors, including the Wisconsin Gatorade Player of the Year and All-State first team during his senior year. Despite these accomplishments, Watt was not heavily recruited by major college football programs, so he decided to attend Central Michigan University.
After playing one season at Central Michigan, J.J. Watt transferred to the University of Wisconsin. He redshirted his first year, but soon established himself as a dominant defensive player. In his final season at Wisconsin, Watt earned All-American honors and decided to enter the 2011 NFL Draft.
The Houston Texans selected J.J. Watt in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft, marking the beginning of a successful professional career. Throughout his time in the NFL, Watt has managed to accumulate considerable wealth. As of September 2023, J.J. Watt’s net worth is estimated to be $10 million.
Career
J.J. Watt had a highly successful and impactful NFL career that spanned 12 years. Drafted by the Houston Texans in 2011, Watt quickly established himself as a dominant defensive end in the league. Throughout his tenure in the NFL, J.J. Watt earned numerous accolades and awards, including five Pro Bowl selections, five First-Team All-Pro honors, and three NFL Defensive Player of the Year awards.
Watt’s earnings in the NFL are a testament to his skill and impact on the field. His net worth is estimated to be around $50 million. In addition to his salary from playing football, Watt also earned substantial income from endorsement deals. Some of his sponsors included American Family Insurance, Gatorade, Reebok, and Verizon.
In 2014, J.J. Watt signed a massive six-year, $100 million contract with the Houston Texans, making him one of the highest-paid defensive players in the NFL at the time. This lucrative deal greatly contributed to his overall net worth.
Following his time with the Texans, Watt signed with the Arizona Cardinals for the 2021 season. Although Watt’s NFL journey came to an end when he announced his retirement in December 2022, his legacy as one of the greatest defensive players in the league’s history remains intact. His remarkable career, along with his sponsorship deals, has undoubtedly positioned J.J. Watt as a top-earning athlete.
Personal Life
J.J. Watt is a former American professional football player, best known for his time playing in the NFL as a defensive end. He has a net worth of $70 million, and throughout his career, he made nearly $130 million.
In his personal life, J.J. Watt is married to Kealia Watt (née Ohai), a former professional soccer player. The couple got married in 2020, and together they have an estimated combined net worth of over $51 million. Kealia played soccer for National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) teams Chicago Red Stars and Houston Dash, and she has an estimated net worth of $1 million.
Besides their successful sports careers, J.J. and Kealia Watt are also known for their philanthropic efforts. J.J. has been actively involved with his own charitable foundation, the J.J. Watt Foundation, which focuses on providing opportunities for middle-school-aged children to participate in sports and aims to develop their athletic skills and character. In addition, he was widely recognized and praised for his role in raising over $37 million for relief efforts after Hurricane Harvey in 2017.
Despite being a high-profile couple, J.J. and Kealia Watt have managed to maintain a relatively private personal life. They are known to share glimpses of their lives on social media, often displaying their love and support for each other’s careers and personal achievements.