Ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft, Gatorade will celebrate the retirement of longtime Gatorade roster athlete, former Wisconsin Badgers legend, and future Hall of Famer JJ Watt via a film that pays tribute to No. 99’s incredible career and impact on and off the field.
“Being a Gatorade athlete has been a true highlight of my career since joining the family during my rookie season in 2011,” Watt said. The iconic brand has fueled me to not only perform at my best every gameday but has also elevated my platform to give back and inspire the next generation beyond the field. I’m grateful for Gatorade’s donation to the Justin J Watt Foundation, and there’s no other brand I would rather have alongside me for my career.”
Additionally, the brand will donate $99,000 to the Justin J Watt Foundation in honor of his retirement and commitment to giving back.
JJ Watt has been part of Gatorade’s elite athlete roster since he got drafted in 2011, and throughout his 12-year career, he has been one of the brand’s most inspirational athletes.
This tribute film honors JJ Watt by celebrating his contributions to football & his community, with hopes to inspire the soon-to-be drafted class of NFL rookie stars to follow in his footsteps and continue his legacy of leveling the playing field for the next generation of youth athletes.
You can watch Gatorade’s tribute video here:
Housekeeping: Remembering Wisconsin Badgers Legend JJ Watt
Wisconsin Badgers legend JJ Watt put a bow on his remarkable NFL career this past season and deserves all the recognition he receives.
Formerly a walk-on at the University of Wisconsin, Watt promised his father he’d give 100% every single snap when he transferred from Central Michigan because the family couldn’t afford to pay four years of tuition.
And Watt, being the animal he is, kept that promise, earning a scholarship before ever playing a snap at UW.
I mean, seriously, who does that?
He quickly parlayed his hard work into results on the field, becoming a dominating force for the Wisconsin Badgers en route to First-team All-American honors in 2010.
During his NFL career, the 6-foot-5, 288-pound DE compiled a resume that includes the following:
- Walter Payton Man of the Year
- Five-time All-Pro
- Three-time Defensive Player of the Year
- Two-time NFL sack leader
- Two 20+ sack seasons
- 2010’s All-decade team member
But more important than football is what JJ Watt chose to do with his platform. His off-field contributions only help add to his legacy.
A few instances that come to mind were when Hurricane Harvey decimated the city of Houston; Watt raised over $37 million in relief funds for his adoptive city.
And more recently, the Pewaukee, Wisconsin native covered the funeral costs for all of the victim’s families that lost a loved one during the senseless Waukesha Christmas parade attack.
Tip of the cap to JJ Watt for doing things the right way and making the state of Wisconsin proud. Enjoy whatever comes next because you and your family deserve it. See you in Canton.
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