J.J. Watt may no longer be suiting up on Sundays, but his presence in the world of football is still felt. His legacy as one of the greatest defensive players of all time is secure, and his continued involvement in the sport through commentary and analysis keeps him close to the action
His call for changes to the NFL’s overtime rules is just one example of how his voice still carries weight in shaping the future of the league.
As T.J. Watt continues to build on the family legacy, fans of the NFL can rest assured that the Watt name will remain synonymous with football excellence for years to come.
Whether through his younger brother’s exploits or his own post-retirement endeavors, J.J. Watt’s impact on the NFL is far from over.
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Table of Contents
J.J. Watt: A Legend Beyond the Gridiron
J.J. Watt, one of the most dominant forces in NFL history, has officially retired from professional football, but his passion for the game remains undiminished.1
Despite stepping away from the field, the three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year continues to engage with the sport, staying close to the action, especially with his younger brother, T.J. Watt, making a name for himself as one of the best defensive players in the league.
As another NFL season kicks off, J.J. now enjoys the game from a different perspective, as a fan and analyst.
Koa’s first ever NFL game.
My last ever NFL home game.My heart is filled with nothing but love and gratitude. It’s been an absolute honor and a pleasure.
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) December 27, 2022
T.J. Watt: Following in J.J.’s Footsteps
For many years, J.J. Watt was the face of the NFL’s defensive line, terrorizing quarterbacks and earning accolades for his relentless play.
Today, that mantle has been passed to his younger brother, T.J. Watt, who plays as an EDGE for the Pittsburgh Steelers. T.J. has proven to be every bit as formidable as his older brother, earning the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award in 2021 and solidifying himself as one of the league’s premier defenders.
The Watt brothers’ family bond and shared passion for football is well-known, and J.J. continues to be one of T.J.’s biggest supporters.
Watching T.J. dominate the field brings J.J. pride and a sense of continuation of the Watt family legacy in the NFL. Even though J.J. has hung up his cleats, his younger brother’s success keeps him closely connected to the sport.
J.J. Watt: New Role as a Fan and Analyst
Retirement has given J.J. Watt a unique opportunity to watch the NFL as a fan rather than a participant.2
With no more practices, film sessions, or game preparations to worry about, J.J. now has ample time to follow the games closely, offering his insights and opinions on various football matters.
One of his first major critiques this season came during the thrilling Sunday Night Football matchup between the Detroit Lions and the Los Angeles Rams, which was decided in overtime.
The Lions secured a victory without the Rams ever having possession in overtime, thanks to the current NFL overtime rules. The game left many fans—and J.J. Watt—questioning whether the rules need to be revisited.
Overtime Rules: J.J. Watt’s Call for Change
NFL overtime rules have long been a topic of debate among fans, players, and analysts alike. Under the current format, if a team scores a touchdown on the first possession of overtime, the game is over, and the opposing team does not get a chance to respond.
This exact scenario played out during the Lions-Rams game, leading J.J. Watt to voice his concerns.
J.J. believes that the NFL should adopt a system more akin to college football, where both teams are guaranteed a possession in overtime, regardless of what happens on the initial drive.
In college football, each team gets the ball at the opponent’s 25-yard line and must try to score, with both teams having equal opportunities to win the game. This ensures that each side has a fair shot at victory, even if one team scores first.
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J.J. Watt: The College Football Overtime System
J.J. Watt’s suggestion to implement a college football-style overtime system in the NFL isn’t new, but it carries weight coming from such a respected figure in the football world.3
The college overtime format eliminates the possibility of one team winning without the other getting a chance to touch the ball. This, according to J.J., promotes fairness and allows for more competitive finishes.
The current NFL overtime rules were modified in 2012 to give both teams an opportunity to possess the ball unless a touchdown was scored on the first possession.
Critics of this system argue that it places too much emphasis on the coin toss, as winning the toss often leads to the winning team scoring and ending the game without the other team having a chance to compete.
The Emotional Impact of Sudden-Death Overtime
Watt’s suggestion also takes into account the emotional impact sudden-death overtime can have on players and fans.
The abrupt end to a game after a single possession often feels anticlimactic, especially after a hard-fought regulation period. Fans of the losing team are left with a sense of dissatisfaction, knowing their team never had an opportunity to respond.
Moreover, players who leave everything on the field during regulation time may feel their efforts were wasted if they lose due to a sudden-death score.
Watt, as a former player, understands the importance of fairness and competition in maintaining the integrity of the sport.
Allowing both teams a chance to possess the ball in overtime would increase the chances of games being decided by skill rather than luck.
Will the NFL Consider Watt’s Proposal?
J.J. Watt’s stature in the NFL makes his opinions influential, and his call for a change to the overtime rules will likely spark further discussion among league officials, coaches, and players.
The NFL has been open to rule changes in the past, especially when the modifications are designed to improve fairness and competitiveness.
In recent years, the league has made various changes to improve player safety and the overall quality of the game, so it wouldn’t be surprising if they seriously considered revisiting the overtime format.
While the NFL has historically been slow to adopt changes suggested by outside influences, J.J.’s perspective as a former player and fan could carry significant weight in pushing this issue forward.
The Influence of Players on Rule Changes
It’s not uncommon for former and current players to influence NFL rule changes. The league has a long history of adjusting its rules in response to feedback from players, coaches, and fans.
For example, recent changes to kickoff rules and roughing-the-passer penalties were implemented to enhance player safety and maintain fairness.
J.J. Watt’s call for an adjustment to the overtime rules could gain traction if other prominent players and analysts echo his sentiments.
Often, when a respected figure like J.J. Watt raises a concern, it sparks further discussion within the league and its governing bodies.
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A New Perspective on Retirement
For J.J. Watt, retirement from football has offered a different perspective on the sport he loves. No longer bound by the demands of playing, he can now see the game from a fan’s point of view, noticing aspects of the game he might not have paid as much attention to while actively playing.
His passion for football, however, remains as strong as ever, and his willingness to speak out on key issues shows that he is still very much invested in the future of the NFL.
Watt’s transition from player to fan and analyst mirrors that of many great athletes who remain connected to their sport after retirement.
His insight and expertise will likely be welcomed by broadcasters, analysts, and fans alike, as he provides a unique view on the game from someone who has excelled at its highest level.
Life After Football: What’s Next for J.J. Watt?
As J.J. Watt continues to adjust to life after football, it’s clear that his influence on the game will not fade anytime soon. Whether through his critiques of the NFL’s rules or his continued support of his brother T.J., J.J. remains deeply entrenched in the football community.
In addition to his football-related activities, Watt has been actively involved in philanthropy and other business ventures, including his ownership stake in an English soccer team, Burnley F.C.
With his vast experience, knowledge of the game, and genuine passion for football, it wouldn’t be surprising to see J.J. Watt transition into a more formal role in the media or even in an NFL front office.
For now, though, Watt seems content to watch the game as a fan and offer his insights from the sidelines.
J.J. Watt’s Unmatched Peak: 2012-2015
From 2012 to 2015, J.J. Watt reached a level of dominance rarely seen in the NFL. During this four-year stretch, he won the Defensive Player of the Year award three times (2012, 2014, and 2015), cementing his legacy as one of the greatest defenders of all time.
In 2014, Watt delivered one of the most dominant defensive seasons in NFL history, recording 20.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries, an interception return for a touchdown, and even scoring three offensive touchdowns as a tight end.
His 2014 season was so impressive that there was genuine debate about whether Watt deserved to win the league MVP award over Aaron Rodgers, a rare discussion for a defensive player.
Watt’s ability to single-handedly take over games, create turnovers, and generate points for his team made him one of the most valuable players in the league, regardless of position.
The Aaron Rodgers MVP Debate: Did Watt Deserve It?
- The 2014 NFL season brought a serious conversation about J.J. Watt’s impact compared to Aaron Rodgers, the eventual MVP. While Rodgers had a stellar year, leading the Green Bay Packers to a 12-4 record and throwing for 38 touchdowns with only five interceptions, many felt that Watt’s season was historically significant and deserved MVP recognition.
- Defensive players rarely get consideration for MVP since it’s typically an award for quarterbacks and offensive playmakers.
- However, Watt’s game-breaking performances week in and week out forced the football world to take notice. His 20.5 sacks in 2014 were more than just numbers; they were momentum-changing plays that often swung the game in the Texans’ favor.
- Add in the fact that he contributed three offensive touchdowns and was the most dynamic defensive player in football, and the MVP conversation becomes even more compelling.
- Although Watt ultimately finished second in MVP voting to Rodgers, the debate highlighted just how incredible Watt’s level of play was at his peak. It’s one thing to dominate on defense, but to do it to such an extent that people seriously consider you for MVP speaks to the unique and transcendent talent Watt possessed.
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