Derek Watt is calling it a career. The fullback announced on Instagram that he’s retiring from the NFL.
“It is with great honor and gratitude that I officially announce my retirement and the end to my career,” Watt wrote. “A career that ended up being about so much more than just the game that I love. The [seven] years with [two] great organizations, 110 career games, and lifelong friendships and memories that I’ve been fortunate enough to make have been nothing short of amazing.”
While he never hit the same career pinnacle as his brothers, J.J. Watt and T.J. Watt, Derek Watt still managed to put together a seven-year career. The former sixth-round pick spent the first four seasons of his career with the Chargers, garnering 47 touches in 64 games.
In 2020, he inked a three-year, $9.75M deal to play alongside T.J. in Pittsburgh. Watt ended up getting into 46 games during his three seasons with the Steelers, including 34 over the past two years. He actually had a “career season” in 2022 from an offensive perspective, collecting 32 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns.
Watt also had a significant special teams role throughout his career as he averaged more than 286 ST snaps per season. He finished his career with 61 tackles.
More must-reads:
- Which NFL rookies will be difference-makers next season?
- Super Bowl champion coach shares advice for young QBs after Shedeur Sanders' draft slide
- Legendary Hall of Fame athletes who only played for one franchise
- The best selection each NFL team made in the 2025 draft
- Packers Discussing Reconciliation With CB Jaire Alexander To Keep Him In 2025