The Third Watt Brother: 5 Shocking New Career Paths After Derek Watt's 2024 Retirement

The Watt brothers—J.J., Derek, and T.J.—have solidified their legacy as one of the most dominant and successful sibling trios in modern NFL history, but as of late 2025, their individual journeys are diverging into fascinating new chapters.

The question of "T.J. and J.J. Watt's brother" points directly to Derek Watt, the middle brother who recently made a major announcement, shifting the dynamic of the family’s collective professional football career. With Derek's retirement in March 2024, J.J. transitioning into sports ownership, and T.J. continuing his record-breaking run, the next phase of the Watt family story is arguably more compelling than ever.

The Watt Brothers: Complete Biography and Career Profiles (Updated 2025)

The three brothers, all born and raised in Pewaukee, Wisconsin, share a common path that runs through the University of Wisconsin before ascending to the National Football League. Their parents, Connie and John Watt, instilled a foundation of intense work ethic and competitive spirit that defined their careers.

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• J.J. Watt (Justin James Watt)
  • Born: March 22, 1989 (36 years old as of December 2025)
  • Position: Defensive End
  • College: University of Wisconsin
  • NFL Career: Houston Texans (2011–2020), Arizona Cardinals (2021–2022)
  • Status: Retired (December 2022)
  • Key Achievements: 3x NFL Defensive Player of the Year, 5x Pro Bowl, 5x First-team All-Pro.
• Derek Watt (Derek John Watt)
  • Born: November 7, 1992 (33 years old as of December 2025)
  • Position: Fullback, Special Teams Ace
  • College: University of Wisconsin
  • NFL Career: San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers (2016–2019), Pittsburgh Steelers (2020–2022)
  • Status: Retired (March 2024)
  • Key Achievements: Known for his elite blocking and special teams play; played alongside T.J. Watt on the Steelers.
• T.J. Watt (Trent Jordan Watt)
  • Born: October 11, 1994 (31 years old as of December 2025)
  • Position: Outside Linebacker
  • College: University of Wisconsin
  • NFL Career: Pittsburgh Steelers (2017–Present)
  • Status: Active Player
  • Key Achievements: 2021 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, 5x Pro Bowl, 3x First-team All-Pro. Recently surpassed J.J. in career sacks.

T.J. Watt's Record-Shattering Ascent: How He Finally Stepped Out of J.J.'s Shadow

For years, T.J. Watt was often viewed as the prodigious younger brother following in the footsteps of the legendary J.J. Watt. However, that narrative has been completely flipped in the last few seasons, culminating in a major career milestone that cemented T.J. as an all-time great in his own right.

The biggest update in the ongoing "Watt vs. Watt" statistical debate is T.J. surpassing his older brother on the NFL’s all-time career sack list. While J.J. finished his career with 114.5 sacks, T.J. has now moved past that mark and continues to climb, solidifying his place as the most feared edge rusher in the league. This achievement is a testament to T.J.'s relentless motor and consistency, earning him his own Defensive Player of the Year award in 2021.

The brotherly competition remains fierce but supportive. When T.J. recently hit the milestone, J.J. was famously on the call, providing a special moment of recognition and pride. T.J.'s sustained dominance with the Pittsburgh Steelers has made him a perennial candidate for the league's top defensive honors, ensuring the Watt name remains synonymous with elite defensive play.

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Derek Watt’s Unexpected Retirement and the Next Chapter

The middle brother, Derek Watt, was a quiet, indispensable force in the NFL. Unlike his pass-rushing brothers, Derek carved out a highly respected seven-season career as one of the league’s premier fullbacks and special teams contributors for the Los Angeles Chargers and the Pittsburgh Steelers.

In March 2024, Derek announced his retirement from professional football via a social media post. His departure marks the end of an era, as it means only one Watt brother is currently active on an NFL roster. Derek’s role was less glamorous, focusing on lead blocking for running backs and being a core special teams player, but his dedication and toughness were crucial to his teams.

5 Shocking New Career Paths for the Retired Watt Brothers

With Derek having just stepped away and J.J. retired since 2022, the two older brothers are rapidly building impressive second careers that extend far beyond the gridiron. These new ventures showcase the family’s entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to community service.

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1. J.J. Watt: Premier League Soccer Club Co-Owner

   In a surprising and high-profile move, J.J. Watt and his wife, Kealia Ohai Watt (a former professional soccer player), became minority investors in the English football club Burnley FC. This venture fulfills J.J.'s long-standing aspiration to venture into team ownership post-retirement and gives him a new "adrenaline void" to chase in the world of global sports. His involvement is a major story in the sports business world, linking the NFL to the English Premier League.

2. J.J. Watt: Media and Broadcasting Personality

   Capitalizing on his charisma and deep football knowledge, J.J. has become a sought-after media personality. He has been featured in numerous high-profile commercials and has hinted at a potential future in broadcasting, though he has been selective with his commitments, focusing on his family and other business ventures.

3. The Justin J. Watt Foundation: Exponential Growth in Philanthropy

   The family's commitment to giving back, spearheaded by J.J. and co-founded with his mother, Connie Watt, continues to be a central focus. The Justin J. Watt Foundation has provided over $6.9 million in funding to support after-school athletic programs for middle-school children. This foundation work is a full-time commitment that defines much of J.J.'s post-NFL life and is a testament to the family's core values.

4. T.J. Watt: Individual Charitable Impact

   While J.J. runs the main foundation, T.J. is also actively involved in individual charitable efforts. Recent news highlights include T.J. personally sending a disabled Army veteran and massive Green Bay Packers fan to the Super Bowl, demonstrating his commitment to honoring service members and his Wisconsin roots.

5. Derek Watt: Transition to Family Life and Undefined Ventures

   Following his March 2024 retirement, Derek has focused on his family and celebrated a successful seven-year career. While specific, high-profile business ventures have not yet been announced, his retirement message emphasized the lifelong friendships and memories he made. As the middle brother, Derek's next phase will likely involve leveraging his network and experience, potentially in the world of sports training, coaching, or charitable work alongside his brothers.

The Undeniable Legacy of the Watt Family

The Watt brothers' story is more than just a tale of three athletes; it's a saga of a family that achieved unparalleled success through a shared, relentless work ethic. From their high school days in Pewaukee to their time together as Wisconsin Badgers, the trio has consistently elevated the standard for NFL siblings.

With two Defensive Player of the Year awards (and T.J. still adding to his tally), multiple Pro Bowls, and a combined charitable impact in the millions, the Watt name is now permanently etched in football lore. The next few years will see T.J. continuing to chase the all-time sack record, while J.J. and Derek define what a successful post-NFL career looks like—from the broadcast booth to the boardroom of a European football club. The era of the three Watt brothers on the field may be over, but their collective impact on the world of sports and philanthropy is only growing stronger.