JJ Watt cries uncontrollably after messages from Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Aaron Rodgers and family (VIDEO)
JJ Watt did not get the perfect send-off on the field as his Arizona Cardinals lost 38-13 against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday. But the former three-time Defensive Player of the Year was gifted a moment on Saturday night that left him sobbing.
In a video released by HBO, who are following the Cardinals as part of the latest season of Hard Knocks, Watt was shown a video during a team meeting with messages from his peers and family.
A special surprise for @JJWatt before his final game. 🥹❤️
#HardKnocks @AZCardinals Wednesdays 10pm ET on @HBOMax https://t.co/vckbVL2qVv
The video begins with a message from his brother, Pittsburgh Steelers star TJ Watt, who says:
"Brother. Jej. I just want to say congratulations on retirement. You and your resiliency throughout all the ups and downs. You ending up in the NFL, and you being a Defensive Player of the Year and you having all the success that you had showed me. That it's possible."
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers and Pro Football Hall of Famer Peyton Manning were up next. Both congratulated JJ Watt on his incredible career, while Rodgers said he couldn't wait to see him join the Hall of Fame. Dallas Cowboys QB Dak Prescott also left a message for Watt, saying:
"Congratulations on your incredible football career. You're incredible player. Excited to see the next chapter of your life. Good luck, brother."
Tom Brady also made an appearance in the video and told JJ Watt:
"Man. You were a pain in my ass for a long time. It was an honor to share the field with you."
JJ Watt's family's sends emotional message to Cardinals star
JJ Watt's brother Derek, mother Connie, and father John Watt are also featured in the video. Connie said:
"JJ. Before you were born, we had really big dreams for you and high hopes. But, boy, you kind of blew those out of the water on your own. We are so happy for you. It's been just a complete joy watching you all through the years."
John followed suit and said:
I got to be a big part of it for your first journey back in the day when I was your coach and it's been a pleasure to watch you ever since. Kind of sad to see it come to your last game, but you have so many great things ahead of you that I'm looking forward to what the future brings for you, Kealia and Koa."
His wife Kealia Watt was the last person to feature in the video. She said:
"It has been such an honor to watch you work your ass off these past years and do whatever you needed to do to be the best. And you've always been so generous and kind and loving to everybody around you and you never forgot who you are. And I know Koa will be so proud to be your son."
JJ Watt couldn't hold back his tears as the video played on a projector in the meeting room.
In the final game of his career, Watt was his dominant self. He finished the game with two sacks and three tackles and walked off the field to a standing ovation in the fourth quarter.
JJ WATT WITH 2 SACKS IN HIS FINAL CAREER GAME 👑 https://t.co/trKZzPLTuM
An incredible career for an outstanding human being who will undoubtedly be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.