Derek Watt's Professional Football Career and Retirement
Derek Watt, the youngest brother of NFL stars J.J. Watt and T.J. Watt, retired from professional football after the 2022 NFL season. He played fullback and tight end for the Los Angeles Rams and the Pittsburgh Steelers. His last game was in the 2022 season, and he was not on a roster for the 2023 or 2024 seasons, confirming his departure from the league. His career highlights include winning Super Bowl LVI with the Rams in February 2022 and being a reliable blocking back for teams led by quarterback Matthew Stafford and later Kenny Pickett. He is now focused on business ventures and family life away from the NFL. For more on his career timeline, visit the official Pittsburgh Steelers history page at https://www.steelers.com.
Derek Watt was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the sixth round of the 2016 NFL Draft and later joined the Rams as a free agent. He played in 48 NFL regular-season games over six seasons, catching 11 passes for 62 yards and scoring two touchdowns. His blocking was a key contribution to Rams running back Todd Gurley's 2017 season and later to the Steelers' ground game with Najee Harris. He did not start a large number of games but was valued for his versatility and special teams play. His final NFL contract was a one-year deal with the Steelers in 2022, and he was released in the final roster cuts before the 2023 season. The NFL's official player transactions log at https://www.nfl.com confirms he has been on no active roster since the 2022 season.
Derek Watt's Current Status and Activities After Football
Derek Watt does not currently play football professionally. He has not signed with any NFL, XFL, USFL, or UFL team for the 2024 or 2025 seasons. Public records and team roster pages show no active contract or tryout involvement. He has shifted his focus to private business interests and community work in the Pittsburgh area. His brother T.J. Watt remains the most prominent member of the Watt family in the NFL, continuing as a dominant edge rusher for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Derek Watt has been spotted at Steelers games and charity events but is not involved in any professional football operations. For current Steelers roster information, see the official NFL team page at https://www.steelers.com.
Derek Watt's post-football life centers on his family and off-field investments. He married his wife, Morgan Watt, and they frequently share family-oriented content on social media. He has not made any public statements about a comeback or playing in a minor league or indoor football circuit. His brother J.J. Watt retired after the 2022 season as well, ending the era of the Watt brothers in the NFL. Derek Watt's last known media appearance was in early 2024 at a Pittsburgh-area charity event. No credible sports news outlet has reported any plans for him to return to the field. The latest updates on his status can be found on verified Steelers news outlets and the NFL's official transaction tracker at https://www.nfl.com/transactions.
Understanding Derek Watt's Legacy and the Watt Family in Football
Derek Watt's legacy in football is defined by his role as a reliable backup and special teams contributor rather than a star player. He is part of the Watt football family, which includes his older brothers J.J. Watt, a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, and T.J