Former Pittsburgh Steelers fullback Derek Watt announces NFL retirement after seven seasons
Former Pittsburgh Steelers and Chargers fullback Derek Watt announced his NFL retirement on Tuesday after playing seven seasons in the league. The younger brother of NFL legend J.J. Watt and older brother of T.J. Watt, Derek was a sixth-round draft pick for the Chargers in 2016.
A former star at Wisconsin, Watt played in all 16 games in each of his first four seasons for the Chargers. He then signed a three-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He tallied 29 carries with 71 yards and two touchdowns throughout his career. Twenty of his carries went for first downs. He also had 18 catches for 178 yards and one more receiving touchdown, which came in 2022 for the Steelers.
Watt posted a heartfelt message on social media to mark his retirement. On top of shoutouts to his parents, wife, coaches, trainers and agents, he also shared words for his two brothers.
“From playing in the backyard, to sharing a field in the NFL, this journey together has been absolutely incredible,” Watt wrote. “They say if you want to be great, then you should surround yourself with greatness… you both have pushed me to be the best that I could be and it’s been so special to see all the hard work that we put in and sacrifices that we made pay off!”
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Watt’s older brother, JJ, announced his retirement from the league after the 2022 season. Meanwhile, TJ Watt is a four-time first-team All-Pro and the 2021 NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
More on the 2024 NFL offseason, free agency
The NFL 2024 calendar year begins at 4 p.m. ET on March 13. At that time, contracts running through 2023 officially run out, making those players free agents. Prior to the beginning of free agency, teams will have a chance to designate one franchise or transition tag player, starting on Feb. 20 at 4 p.m. ET and ending on March 5. Beginning March 11 through March 13 teams can enter into a legal negotiation with players who will become unrestricted free agents.
In addition to NFL free agency, the new year also marks the beginning of all trades being made official by the league office. April 19 marks the deadline to sign restricted free agents to offer sheets. On April 24, the deadline for teams to match restricted free agent offers sheets hits. Following the restricted free agent deadline follows the 2024 NFL Draft, which runs from April 25-27.