The Definitive List Of Every NFL Team The Watt Brothers Played For (And Who Is Still Active In 2025)

The legacy of the Watt brothers—J.J., T.J., and Derek—is one of the most remarkable stories in modern NFL history, a true testament to the football talent cultivated by the Watt family in Pewaukee, Wisconsin. As of December 10, 2025, the era of all three brothers simultaneously playing in the NFL has officially concluded, yet one brother remains a dominant, record-breaking force, while the others have transitioned into retirement with Hall of Fame-worthy careers. This article provides the definitive, up-to-date look at every NFL team that hosted a Watt brother and reveals the current status of the last active sibling in the league.

The fact that three brothers from the same family not only reached the professional level but all became starters and Pro Bowl-caliber players is an unprecedented accomplishment. While two have hung up their cleats, the youngest continues to chase history, ensuring the Watt name remains synonymous with elite defensive play and special teams excellence in the National Football League.

The Complete Biography and NFL Teams for J.J., T.J., and Derek Watt

The Watt brothers’ journey from the University of Wisconsin to the NFL is a cornerstone of their story, with each player leaving an indelible mark on the teams they represented. Here is a detailed profile of each brother, including their college careers, draft specifics, and the full list of their NFL teams.

• The One Where They Tanked Jokes 15 Shocking New Secrets From The Friends Tv Show Behind The Scenes G9zdh

J.J. Watt (Defensive End)

• Full Name: Justin James Watt
• Born: March 22, 1989 (Pewaukee, Wisconsin)
• College: Central Michigan (TE, 2007), Wisconsin Badgers (DE, 2008-2010)
• NFL Draft: 2011, Round 1, Pick 11 (Houston Texans)
• NFL Teams:
  • Houston Texans (2011–2020): Where he became a legend, winning three Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) awards.
  • Arizona Cardinals (2021–2022): His final two seasons before retirement.
• Current Status: Retired after the 2022 season. He recently stoked curiosity by suggesting he would consider a return to the Texans if they "absolutely need" him, though he is currently focused on his family and media roles.

T.J. Watt (Outside Linebacker)

• Full Name: Trent Jordan Watt
• Born: October 11, 1994 (Pewaukee, Wisconsin)
• College: Wisconsin Badgers (2013-2016)
• NFL Draft: 2017, Round 1, Pick 30 (Pittsburgh Steelers)
• NFL Teams:
  • Pittsburgh Steelers (2017–Present): The only team he has ever played for, where he is one of the most dominant defensive players in the league.
• Current Status: Active and under contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers through the 2028 season. His blockbuster extension made him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history at the time of the signing.

Derek Watt (Fullback/Special Teamer)

• Full Name: Derek John Watt
• Born: November 7, 1992 (Pewaukee, Wisconsin)
• College: Wisconsin Badgers (2011-2015)
• NFL Draft: 2016, Round 6, Pick 198 (San Diego Chargers)
• NFL Teams:
  • San Diego / Los Angeles Chargers (2016–2019): Started his career in California before the team's move.
  • Pittsburgh Steelers (2020–2022): Joined his brother T.J., playing a crucial role on special teams.
• Current Status: Officially retired from the NFL in 2023, concluding his seven-year career.

The Exclusive Club: Teams That Hosted Multiple Watt Brothers

The unique nature of the Watt brothers’ careers is highlighted by the fact that two NFL franchises had the distinction of having multiple Watt siblings on their roster at the same time. This created rare and memorable moments for fans and the brothers themselves, a true family affair on the gridiron.

Pittsburgh Steelers: The Ultimate Family Reunion

The Pittsburgh Steelers hold the distinction of being the only team to roster two Watt brothers simultaneously for multiple seasons. This highly anticipated reunion occurred when Derek Watt, a standout fullback and special teams ace, signed with the Steelers in 2020, joining his younger brother, T.J. Watt.

• Brothers on Roster: T.J. Watt and Derek Watt.
• Seasons Together: 2020, 2021, and 2022.
• Significance: Playing together on the same defense and special teams unit was a dream come true for the brothers, who both played their college ball at the University of Wisconsin. T.J. was already a Defensive Player of the Year candidate, while Derek provided elite blocking and special teams play, often leading the team in special teams tackles.

Houston Texans: The Foundation of the Watt Dynasty

While J.J. Watt spent a decade building his Hall of Fame resume with the Houston Texans, the franchise never had the opportunity to host all three brothers. However, the Texans are the team most closely associated with the Watt family's rise to NFL prominence. J.J.'s tenure in Houston was legendary, marked by three DPOY awards and a monumental fundraising effort for Hurricane Harvey relief, cementing his status as a city icon.

• Shania Twains Bold Statement Why The Star Chose Nude Photoshoots At 57 Qf9cg

• Brothers on Roster: J.J. Watt.
• Significance: J.J.'s dominance from 2011 to 2020 set the standard for the Watt name in the NFL. The Texans were the team that drafted the eldest brother and watched him become one of the greatest defensive players in league history.

Arizona Cardinals and Los Angeles Chargers

The Arizona Cardinals and the Los Angeles Chargers each hosted a single Watt brother. J.J. Watt finished his career with the Cardinals, spending two seasons there and retiring after the 2022 season. Derek Watt, meanwhile, began his career with the San Diego Chargers in 2016, before the team relocated and became the Los Angeles Chargers, where he played through the 2019 season.

The Unbreakable Records: Watt Brothers’ Collective NFL Achievements

The combined careers of the Watt brothers have resulted in a set of collective accomplishments that may never be matched by another trio of siblings in professional football. Their topical authority in the league is immense, covering every major award and statistical category for defensive and special teams players.

Statistical Dominance and Awards

The Watt brothers have amassed an incredible collection of individual honors and statistical milestones. J.J. Watt is a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, a five-time Pro Bowler, and a five-time First-Team All-Pro. T.J. Watt is quickly catching up, having already won a DPOY award, earning multiple Pro Bowl selections, and tying the all-time single-season sack record in 2021.

• 7 Shocking Things Jessica Capshaw Revealed About Growing Up With Steven Spielberg As Her Stepfather 892ho

• Combined DPOY Awards: 4 (J.J. has 3, T.J. has 1). This is more than any other set of siblings in NFL history.
• Sack Record: T.J. Watt holds the record for the most sacks in a single season (tied with Michael Strahan at 22.5), and he recently surpassed J.J. Watt in career sacks, continuing his pursuit of the all-time record.
• Pro Bowl Selections: The trio has a combined total of 12 Pro Bowl selections, with T.J. and J.J. accounting for the majority of those honors.
• First-Team All-Pro Selections: J.J. and T.J. have a combined 8 First-Team All-Pro selections, solidifying their status as the best players at their positions in their respective eras.

The Active Watt: T.J. Watt’s Future with the Steelers

As the only active member of the trio in 2025, T.J. Watt's career trajectory is the primary focus for fans of the Watt family. His contract extension with the Pittsburgh Steelers, which runs through the 2028 season, ensures his place as the anchor of one of the NFL's most storied defenses for the foreseeable future. His continued high-level performance is not just about personal accolades; it's about cementing the Watt name as arguably the greatest family dynasty in the history of the sport.

The continuity of T.J. in Pittsburgh, following the retirements of his brothers, serves as a bridge between the past era of Watt dominance and the future. His pursuit of a second Defensive Player of the Year award, combined with the Steelers' annual quest for a Super Bowl, keeps the Watt brothers' story fresh and relevant for every NFL season to come.