Get your tissues ready, folks.
Before the Arizona Cardinals season finale this past weekend, J.J. Watt had multiple friends, family, and NFL players alike come together and create a beautiful tribute video for him.
A special surprise for @JJWatt before his final game. 🥹❤️#HardKnocks @AZCardinals Wednesdays 10pm ET on @HBOMax pic.twitter.com/vckbVL2qVv
— NFL (@NFL) January 10, 2023
Watt has officially retired from the NFL and has made his mark on both the Cardinals and Houston Texans’ organizations.
Since entering the league over ten years ago, Watt has been one of, if not the best defensive players in the entire league.
His ability to get home to the quarterback, paired with his sheer size and speed is something that cannot be understated.
Many players in the league have attributed their successes to Watt, as they grew up watching him, and modeled the way they play after his example.
Now that Watt is retired, the Cardinals will need to find a replacement for him, although it will be difficult to fill his shoes.
Even with Watt on their roster in 2022, the Cardinals allowed the second-most points in the league with 26.4.
Their defense has struggled over the past few seasons, even with a generational talent like Watt.
They will need to look to free agency and the 2023 NFL Draft to improve their defense, especially if they want to compete for a division title next season.
Currently, their roster consists of defensive stars like Isaiah Simmons and Zaven Collins.
Two players don’t make a defense, though.
Again, the Cardinals will need to make some major changes in the offseason, as evidenced by the recent firing of head coach Kliff Kingsbury.
