J.J. Watt

J.J. Watt is a distinguished professional football player, who was chosen as the 11th overall pick by the Houston Texans in the 2011 NFL Draft. Hailing from Pewaukee, Wisconsin, he, along with his younger siblings T.J. and Derek, shared a passion for football and all played at the University of Wisconsin. Watt's collegiate journey began at Central Michigan University, where he started as a walk-on defensive end before transferring to Wisconsin. In his final year, 2010, he earned several accolades, including the Ronnie Lott Trophy, which recognizes outstanding character and performance in college football. He was also named a Second Team All-American by both Sports Illustrated and the Associated Press, made the All-Big Ten First Team, and was honored as the Wisconsin Team MVP.

Over his impressive eight-year NFL career, Watt garnered three AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year Awards, was selected to the Pro Bowl five times, and earned the title of Sportsperson of the Year from Sports Illustrated. He holds the franchise records for the Houston Texans in both sacks and forced fumbles, and in 2014, he made history as the first player to achieve two seasons with over 20 sacks.

Beyond football, Watt is the President and Founder of the J.J. Watt Foundation, established in 2011 to support after-school athletic programs for youth. His philanthropic efforts were notably highlighted in 2017 when a social media campaign he initiated raised over $41 million for Hurricane Harvey relief, far exceeding his initial goal of $200,000.