As one of the most dominant defensive players in the NFL, it’s no surprise that Houston Texans star JJ Watt has a healthy net worth.
The Texans drafted Watt as the 11th overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. He quickly became a force to be reckoned with, racking up 20.5 sacks in his first two seasons.
Since then, Watt has only improved in the First-Team All-Pro three times and won Defensive Player of the Year in 2012 and 2014. He’s also led the league in sacks twice.
In addition to his on-field successes, Watt has also been a big money-maker off the field. He had endorsement deals with Reebok, Gatorade, American Family Insurance, and Beats by Dre, among others.
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Watt’s estimated net worth is $50 million. Most of that money has come from his NFL contracts, which have been extremely lucrative.
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JJ Watt net worth
As of 2022, JJ Watt net worth is approximately $50 million. That makes him one of the richest athletes in the world. His net worth comes from his NFL salary, endorsements, and investments.
Watt was born in Waukesha, Wisconsin, and played football in high school and college. The Houston Texans drafted him in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft.
JJ was among the best defensive players in the NFL and was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year three times. He was also selected to the Pro Bowl five times.
In 2014, Watt signed a six-year, $100 million contract extension with the Texans. That made him the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history. He also has endorsement deals with Reebok, American Family Insurance, and Beats by Dre.
In 2017, Watt was one of the most influential people in the world to Time magazine. He has also participated in philanthropy, raising over $37 million for Hurricane Harvey relief efforts.
According to JJ Watt’s net worth, he is one of the richest athletes in the world and has earned his fortune through his NFL salary, endorsements, and investments.
How did Watt make his way to becoming a nine-figure man?
NFL Contracts
As we mentioned, most of Watt’s net worth comes from his money from his NFL contracts.
His first contract was for four years and $11.24 million. That may seem like a lot of money, but it’s pretty modest for a first-round pick.
Watt’s second contract is where he started to cash in. As mentioned, it was for six years and $100 million. That deal included a $10 million signing bonus and $51.8 million guaranteed money.
It was the richest contract ever given to a defensive player at the time.
Watt’s most recent contract is even more lucrative. He signed a six-year, $108 million extension with the Texans in 2017, including a $10 million signing bonus and $68 million in guaranteed money.
That deal made him the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history.
Endorsements
In addition to his NFL contracts, Watt has made significant money through endorsements.
He had deals with big brands like Reebok, Gatorade, American Family Insurance, and Beats by Dre. He also has his line of products with Dick’s Sporting Goods.
Watt’s endorsements have likely brought in millions of dollars over the years.
Other Income
Watt has also made some money through other ventures. He wrote two books, “The Little Book of JJ Watt” and “JBW: The Story of an Undrafted Walk-On Who Became the Face of the Houston Texans.”
He also appeared in a few TV shows and movies, including “The League” and “Bad Moms.” However, all of this has helped Watt amass a fortune.
Early Life
Texas native J.J. Watt was born on March 22, 1989, the second of four children of Connie and John Watt. He was a highly athletic kid who played various sports, including football, basketball, baseball, and track and field. He was a two-time state champion in the shot put and earned a scholarship for his football skills at the University of Wisconsin.
Watt had a successful college career, setting a school record for sacks in a season. However, the Houston Texans drafted him in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft, and he quickly became one of the league’s best players. In 2014, he achieved fame as the NFL Defensive Player of the Year and was selected to the Pro Bowl four times.
In addition to his on-field successes, Watt has been recognized for his work off the field. However, he made his name in the NFL’s Walter Payton Man of the Year in 2017 for his work in the wake of Hurricane Harvey. He has also raised millions for various charities, including the Houston Food Bank and the American Red Cross.
Career
In 2011, the Houston Texans selected JJ Watt as the 11th overall pick in the NFL Draft. Since then, he has established himself as one of the best players in the league. Watt won Defensive Player of the Year three times in his first four seasons and was named to the Pro Bowl and First-team All-Pro four times each. He has led the league in sacks twice and is the only player in NFL history to have two 20+ sack seasons. He is also the only player in NFL history to have two seasons with 20+ tackles for loss.
Watt has been a key player on some of the best defenses in the Texans’ history. In 2016, he was a part of a Texans defense that finished first in the league in yards allowed per game and second in points allowed per game. The Texan’s defense was a big reason why the team made it to the Divisional Round of the playoffs that season.
Injuries have been the only thing that has been able to slow down Watt. He missed most of the 2017 season with a torn pectoral muscle and most of the 2018 season with a torn ACL. Watt came back from those injuries to have a great 2019 season. However, he was again named Defensive Player of the Year to the Pro Bowl and First-team All-Pro.
Watt is one of the best players in the league and has had a great career. He has been a key player on some great defenses and has won Defensive Player of the Year four times. He is a surefire Hall of Famer and one of his generation’s best players.
Personal Life
JJ Watt is one of the most famous athletes in the world. He is a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year and has led the league in sacks twice. He is also a five-time Pro Bowler. But many people don’t know about JJ Watt’s personal life.
Watt was a three-sport star in high school. He played football, basketball, and track. Several Division I schools recruited him to play football, but he chose to attend the University of Wisconsin.
Watt redshirted his first year at Wisconsin. He played on the scout team and did not see any action. The following year, he played in all 13 games and had 11 tackles.
As a junior, Watt became a starter. He had 63 tackles, including 7.5 for loss and 4.5 sacks. He made his name in first-team All-American and was a finalist for the Lombardi Award, given to the best lineman in college football.
Watt decided to forgo his senior year and declare for the NFL Draft. The Houston Texans drafted him with the 11th overall pick.
Watt has been with the Texans since 2011. He has been one of the best defensive players in the NFL.
Watt has won three Defensive Player of the Year Awards and made his name in the Pro Bowl five times.
In 2016, Watt made his name in the NFL’s Man of the Year. Watt has raised millions of dollars for relief efforts after Hurricane Harvey.
Watt is dating professional soccer player Kealia Ohai. The couple has been dating since 2016.
FAQs on JJ Watt Net Worth
How much has JJ Watt made in the NFL?
As of October 2022, NFL defensive end J.J. Watt has earned an estimated $16 million in salary and endorsements.
Why is J.J. Watt not playing?
Watt suffered a torn pectoral muscle and then re-injured it. After consulting multiple doctors, Watt decided to retire from the NFL rather than risk further injury by continuing to play will not be playing in the 2022 season, as he was forced to retire due to a career-ending injury.
