This season, the NFL field will have electricity for the first time in nearly a decade, thanks to just one Watt.

In March, Derek Watt, a former fullback for the Los Angeles Chargers, retired from the NFL, leaving his brother T.J. Watt as the only sibling still playing in the league.

The NFL has been impacted by the Watt brothers, who were raised by John and Carrie Watt, since 2011 when J.J. was drafted.

Since Derek did not play in his final season in the league, the 2024 season will likely have fewer than two Watt brothers debuting on an NFL roster since 2016.

A review of the NFL journeys of the Watt brothers and their current status.

J.J. WATT

At the University of Wisconsin-Madison, J.J., born March 22, 1989 in Pewaukee, Wisconsin, excelled as a defensive end and was awarded the Ronnie Lott Trophy. After graduation, he turned pro.

In the 2011 NFL season, J.J. was picked in the first round and drafted by the Houston Texans, where he played until the conclusion of the 2020 season.

In 2021, J.J. signed a two-year $31 million deal with the Arizona Cardinals, which included $23 million guaranteed. After playing for two seasons with the Cardinals, he announced his retirement from the game.

J.J. announced his retirement plans in a final X post on the last days of 2022, including a family photograph that read, "Koa’s first ever NFL game. My last ever NFL home game."

J.J., widely regarded as one of the greatest defensive ends in NFL history, stated, "My heart is filled with nothing but love and gratitude. It has been an absolute honor and a pleasure."

At Levi Stadium, the San Francisco 49ers defeated the Cardinals in a blowout loss, resulting in a roaring farewell and standing ovation for J.J. as he played his final game at home.

On January 8, 2023, J.J. posted on social media, "I will soon find the right words to express my gratitude. But for now, all I can say is thank you. You have forever changed my life, and I am eternally grateful."

In February 2020, he married his wife, Kealia, a former professional soccer player and NCAA champion.

In 2022, the two announced the arrival of their son, Koa.

J.J. Watt has stated that he would only return to the NFL if DeMeco Ryans, the head coach of the Texans, asked him to play again.

"Last year, I told DeMeco that he should only call if absolutely necessary, but if he ever did, I would be there for him. This is the final time I will give him this advice because I am not going to continue training in the same way. However, I believe that if he truly needs my help, I will be there for him. I don't expect this to happen often, but they have a strong team."

J.J. ended his NFL career with 114.5 sacks, 17 fumble recoveries, and 586 total tackles.

In 2012, J.J. reached a pivotal moment in his career when he recorded a career-high 81 tackles during his second season in the NFL.

J.J. Watt's accolades, including three Defensive Player of the Year awards, five Pro Bowls, five first-team All-Pro selections, and two NFL sacks titles, have led fans to believe that he will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, in 2028.

Today, J.J. is waiting to be inducted as a studio analyst for NFL Today.

Derek Watt

J.J. and Derek Watt, both born in 1992, attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison together.

In 2016, Derek was selected by the San Diego Chargers, now known as the Los Angeles Chargers, in the sixth round, 198th overall, and played with the franchise for four seasons.

In 2020, the former fullback signed a three-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers and spent three seasons playing alongside his younger brother T.J. However, Derek did not play in his final season with the Steelers after becoming a free agent.

In a social media post on X, Derek announced his retirement from the NFL earlier this year.

"Dear football, what a journey it has been! A kid from Pewaukee, Wisconsin who got to fulfill his childhood dream of being drafted and playing in the NFL. Now, with pride and thanks, I am officially announcing my retirement and the conclusion of my career," Derek wrote.

He thanked his wife, Gabriella, and his sons, Logan and Brayden, for their unwavering support.

"The best part of retirement for me is the additional time I get to spend with you," Derek stated.

He thanked his parents for their time, effort, and support, stating that his dream would have remained just a dream without their help.

Derek expressed gratitude towards his trainer, agents, teammates, coaches, and staff in a letter to his brothers, stating that the journey they had taken together had been absolutely incredible.

"Coming to work each and every day was an absolute honor for him," he concluded.

Pro Football Reference reports that the Pittsburgh Steeler finished his NFL career with zero fumbles, 71 rushing yards, 178 receiving yards, and a touchdown on 18 receptions.

Derek and Gabriella got married in February 2018 in a Miami ceremony. According to the Coldwell Banker website, Gabriella is a real estate agent in Wisconsin.

Derek's future professional endeavors are uncertain.

T.J. Watt

As the youngest of the Watt brothers, T.J., born Oct. 11, 1994, chose the University of Wisconsin-Madison as his college home turf.

Derek and T.J. played together for the Bucky Badgers until 2015.

In 2017, T.J. made his NFL debut on the main stage when he was picked 30th overall in the first round and played for the Pittsburgh Steelers as a rookie.

In 2020, the Steelers signed Derek to a three-year, $9.75 million deal, allowing the outside linebacker to share a jersey and home field with his brother.

A year after signing his initial deal, T.J. renewed his contract with the Steelers for $112 million.

At 29 years old, the six-time Pro Bowler and four-time All-Pro selection finished the 2023 NFL season with 19 sacks.

Despite the Steelers fan's disappointment, T.J. has not experienced a significant postseason victory with the team.

During the 2023 season, the Steelers announced that T.J. had sustained a knee injury during a game against the Baltimore Ravens.

T.J. did not participate in the AFC Wild Card playoff game against the Buffalo Bills, resulting in a 31-17 loss for the Steelers. In his career, T.J. has only played in a total of three playoff games.

During a June interview with The Athletic, T.J. admitted that he will do whatever it takes to win but that he doesn't have an infinite amount of time to play, as reported by Planet Chronicle Digital.

T.J. enters the Steelers schedule in the 2024 NFL season, starting with the Atlanta Falcons in early September, with 96.5 career sacks.

In July 2022, T.J. married Dani Rhodes, a former soccer player from Wisconsin-Madison.

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