JJ Watt announces NFL retirement

JJ Watt is hanging up his boots. On Tuesday (27), the Arizona Cardinals defensive end announced that he is retiring from the NFL, via a post on Twitter.

“Koa’s (defensive end’s daughter) first NFL game, last home game of my career,” wrote the star, posing in photos alongside his daughter and wife, Chicago Red Stars forward Kealia. “My heart is filled with nothing less than love and gratitude. It has been an absolute honor and pleasure.”

Koa’s first ever NFL game.
My last ever NFL home game.

My heart is filled with nothing but love and gratitude. It’s been an absolute honor and a pleasure.

🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/wXbDUcHM8B

— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) December 27, 2022

A three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Watt is a future Hall of Famer. He was the 11th overall pick in the 2011 Draft by the Houston Texans. There, he played until the end of the 2020 season, when he announced his move to Arizona.

In Texas, he played 128 games, including eight for the playoffs, adding 21 more for the Cardinals, one of them for the postseason, in last year’s Wild Card round against the Los Angeles Rams. In all, there are 149 starters on the field, 111.5 sacks, 580 tackles, 191 tackles for loss of yardage, 313 QB hits, one safety, and two interceptions.

When it comes to awards, the list is also extensive. He was three times named AP Defensive Player of the Year (2013, 2015 and 2016), once Walter Payton Man of the Year (2018), 2017 Sportsman of the Year, five times selected to the Pro Bowl (2012 to 2015 and 2018) and six times to the All-Pro team (2012 to 2015 and 2018).

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Four Flashes make the MAC First Team, and nine players are named All-Conference.

Marquez Cooper, Marcellus Marshall, Devontez Walker, and Dante Cephas were all named to the first team for the conference.

Cephas received his second selection to the first team of the conference in as many years. In MAC play, his figure increased to 97.8 yards per game, placing him second in the MAC with 82.7 yards per game. Cephas was one of three MAC receivers with an average of more over 15 yards per grab, along with teammate Devontez Walker. In the victory over Ohio this season, he set a Kent State record with a 246-yard performance (on 13 receptions).

Cooper receives his first all-conference mention after compiling 1,331 yards to finish second in the MAC and 14th in the FBS, marking the sixth season with 1,300+ yards in program history. For the Flashes, Cooper’s 13 running touchdowns are among the top 10 for any season. Cooper recorded the sixth 240+ yard game in program history in the win against Ohio, and he averaged over 130 yards per game (132.7) in conference games. He and Cephas established themselves as the first duo in FBS history to have over 240 yards apiece in the same contest.

Assuming the starting offensive tackle position, Marcellus Marshall achieved first-honors for his performance. Marshall started each of the 12 games, and the offensive line helped create the best rushing attack in the MAC, averaging more than 200 yards per game and more than 2,400 yards total. The Flashes were also one of three teams in the MAC to average 400 yards of offense per game and one of two to surpass 5,000 total offense yards this season.

Walker, who this season took on a starting position, receives his first all-conference honor. With 11 touchdown catches, he established a new school record and had one of the best seasons in the MAC. That score ranked sixth in the FBS and tied for first in the MAC. His 921 yards ranked third all-time in program history and led the league. In terms of catches (58) and yards per catch, he also came in first (15.9).

Sam Allan, Nico Bolden, and Ja’Shaun Poke were named to the second team of the conference.

Allan, who started all 12 games at center for the Golden Flashes, ends his career with his first all-conference recognition. Like Marshall, Allan contributed to the offensive line’s stability and helped the unit record its fourth season of 5,000+ offensive yardage.

With 103 tackles this season, Bolden achieved a career best and was named to the all-conference team for the first time. His five games with 10+ tackles, including his final three games of the season, marked the end of his Kent State career. His 64 solo tackles were second in the MAC and was first on the squad.

Poke’s talent as a returner won him a spot on the second team. With only 15 returns, he finished sixth in overall return yardage but topped the MAC with a kickoff return average of 29.4. Poke contributed to the passing game as well, ranking third on the team in throwing yards with 362 for the year.

Zayin West and Collin Schlee were named to the third team of the league. In his first 11 games as the starting quarterback, Schlee completed 2,109 passes for 2,109 yards. His 138.0 quarterback rating, which was third-best in the MAC, was aided by the second-best MAC touchdown-to-interception ratio of 13 to 5. Schlee improved the club’s running game by contributing 492 yards, four touchdowns, and more than five yards per carry to his second-place result on the team.

In his last season, Zayin West had an all-conference campaign. With a team and career high of 11.5 tackles for loss, West placed top-10 in the MAC. That number includes 4.5 sacks, which ranks second on the team. With two sacks and three tackles for loss in the triumph, he contributed to securing the Wagon Wheel for the fourth consecutive season. West was also an important player for the Flashes’ special teams, converting a fake punt against Georgia by catching a pass, and returning a kick against Ball State for 21 yards.

The four first-team members and nine all-conference selections are Kent State’s highest totals since 1997 and 2012, respectively.

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Todd Boehly’s Chelsea to-do list is clear, with Thiago Silva requiring post-World Cup care.

Many footballers at 38 years old would have been written off by now, if they hadn’t already retired.

It’s unusual for someone in his late forties to still be playing elite football. Thiago Silva may be defined as a weirdo in the kindest conceivable sense.

That speaks volumes about how he conducts himself both on and off the field. Many managers have expressed their admiration for Silva and how he works tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure he maintains his current level. It’s not a simple task.

In October, Chelsea head coach Graham Potter stated of Silva, “He is a terrific guy and an incredible player.” “The level at which he can play and the amount of respect he commands throughout the game are extraordinary.”

“All I can do is assist him in reaching the highest heights possible in the club.” And the rest is up to him and the club to consider. He is a leader, a top professional, and a great guy to work with.”

Silva has succeeded in the Premier League and on the European scene for Chelsea after joining on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2020. Everyone who knows football knows Silva is a gentleman and one of the finest defenders of his generation. His trophy collection speaks for itself, although he did surprise many.

Many assumed his finest days as a centre-back in their late thirties were past, but he continues to defy his age. The Brazil international, who is currently playing an important part for his team in the present World Cup, has signed two one-year contract extensions since moving to Stamford Bridge.

The most recent one, signed in January 2022, extends his contract until the end of the current season. If he continues at Chelsea, it would be his fourth season in the renowned blue shirt, which should be a necessity for club co-owner Todd Boehly and his board colleagues.

Despite being in his later years of his career, Silva is still one of the finest in the Premier League at his position. And, for that matter, Europe. This World Cup is demonstrating it.

What he accomplishes off the field is as impressive. According to RC Sports, he has thrived as a mentor for several of Chelsea’s young defenders, notably Wesley Fofana, who joined the club in the summer.

Silva is one of the most popular players in the team among Chelsea fans, and the vast majority, if not all, would want to see him extended for another year. However, the athlete must weigh several factors, including what is best and appropriate for his family.

“It’s probably not the ideal moment to speak about new contracts right now,” Silva remarked earlier this season. “What I can tell you is that the most important thing for me right now is to keep playing at a high level and to assist the team achieve the greatest results possible.”

“Of course, I need to know whether I’ll have a new deal with Chelsea for my family’s sake.” It will be difficult if I do not have a new contract – I will have to determine what to do.

“I need to include my family.” This is a significant choice, so we’ll see what happens.”

Chelsea has done a good job of limiting Silva’s minutes thus far this season. As well as he looks after himself, he is unable to play three times per week, and both Thomas Tuchel and now Potter have looked after the Brazilian well.

There are several issues for Boehly and Potter to consider. Getting the proper outcomes on the field, bringing players in during the January and summer transfer windows, Mason Mount’s contract, and selling players. We could keep on. However, extending Silva’s contract should be a top priority for Chelsea.

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