J.J. Watt receives taxidermy badger from fan before final NFL game

The badger is a nod to Watt's standout college days at the University of Wisconsin in 2009 and 2010 before he was selected by the Houston Texans with the 11th overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. 

As a junior in 2010, Watt finished second in the Big Ten in sacks (7.0) and tackles for loss (21), while his tackles for loss had him ranked seventh in the NCAA.

He earned the Ronnie Lott trophy that season as well, which is awarded to the college football defensive IMPACT player of the year. IMPACT is an acronym for Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community, and Tenacity.

Watt's two younger brothers -- fullback Derek and linebacker T.J. of the Pittsburgh Steelers -- also played for the Badgers. The latter is a five-time Pro Bowler, three-time First Team All-Pro, and was the 2021 AP Defensive Player of the Year.

J.J. Watt is a five-time Pro Bowler as well, with five First-Team All-Pro nods and three AP Defensive Player of the Year awards. The 33-year-old is having a big final season in the NFL, recording his most quarterback hits (23), tackles for loss (15), and sacks (10.5) since 2018.

During the Cardinals' Week 15 loss to the Denver Broncos, Watt put up season highs in tackles for loss (three), quarterback hits (three), and sacks (3.0) while recording his first forced fumble of the campaign as well. He played 84% of the defensive snaps, it was perhaps his best performance statistically since he joined Arizona ahead of the 2021 season, and he received a random drug test from the league afterward.