DAN BICKLEY

As usual, J.J. Watt’s timing was impeccable in retirement announcement

Dec 28, 2022, 1:56 PM

J.J. Watt...

Arizona Cardinals DL J.J. Watt after his final NFL home game at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., on Dec. 25, 2022. (Arizona Sports Photo/Jeremy Schnell)

(Arizona Sports Photo/Jeremy Schnell)

J.J. Watt came to Arizona as a real-life superhero. He did not disappoint.

He drank beers with fans at a dive bar in Scottsdale. He had his heart shocked back into rhythm and played the same weekend. He unveiled “Turbo Man” cleats on Christmas night, paying homage to Arnold Schwarzenegger’s character in the holiday classic, “Jingle All the Way.”

He was every bit the person and the player we hoped for. And that’s saying something.

Watt also stuck the landing on his brilliant NFL career, announcing his retirement following the Cardinals’ 19-16 overtime loss to the Buccaneers. He did so after his final game at State Farm Stadium, following a stellar performance against Tom Brady on Sunday Night Football.

As usual, his timing is impeccable.

Watt’s retirement comes before the final two road games, in the dying light of a failed regime. Things might get worse before they get better, and Watt shrewdly pre-empted the eulogy for the most dysfunctional season in team history. On his terms.

Watt’s retirement also comes at a time of flux and confusion in Arizona, where our NFL team has 28 other unrestricted free agents and can no longer afford Watt’s high-end, luxury services, even if he wanted to return.

Watt was visibly emotional following Sunday’s loss, the first game attended by his newborn son, Koa James.

He has given a lot to the Cardinals in two seasons, more than I ever expected — maybe more than he ever expected. He’s ending the 2022 season like a true legend, in a feeding frenzy, as a proud father and a proud man, a charitable behemoth whose brute strength and Hall of Fame cred are carrying a broken team to the finish line.

He did the Cardinals another favor on Sunday. He made his final game at State Farm Stadium an extremely big deal, framing it with reverence. In effect, he generously included Arizona football fans in his touching, emotional, circle-of-life retirement ceremony on Christmas night.

He did that at a time when Cardinals fans are suffering with embarrassment, loyalty and identity issues; where collective pride is waning; and where the past 20 games have caused great attrition for everyone. We are living through one of the most dysfunctional periods in team history, a team that seems to have boarded a dreaded spaceship to yesteryear.

Watt gave all those Cardinals fans who showed up on Christmas night an unexpected gift and a forever memory. We can say we were there for the final home game of Watt’s indomitable, glorious career.

Turbo Man would’ve been proud.

Reach Bickley at dbickley@arizonasports.com. Listen to Bickley & Marotta weekdays from 6 – 10 a.m. on Arizona Sports.

Dan Bickley

Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic drives against Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) duri...

Dan Bickley

Luka Doncic trade proves again the Lakers are the luckiest franchise in sports history

The blockbuster Luka Doncic-Anthony Davis trade is not about the Lakers getting Luka. It’s about the Lakers getting lucky.

5 days ago

Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia introduces the new Ring of Honor during the NBA game against the Utah...

Dan Bickley

Suns fans can both love a Jimmy Butler trade and hate everything it represents

I want Jimmy Butler with the Phoenix Suns. But I hate everything this trade saga represents.

9 days ago

Head coach Mike Budenholzer of the Phoenix Suns watches the action during the first half against th...

Dan Bickley

Trade rumors provide both hope and harm for these Suns

The Suns are a .500 team. Mediocrity isn’t supposed to be this difficult. Or expensive. Changes are coming despite a three-game win streak.

25 days ago

Kyler Murray Cardinals Rams embracing Trey McBride after first touchdown...

Dan Bickley

Kyler Murray has one last dance with Cardinals after season of close calls

There are no better options for the Cardinals than Kyler Murray in 2025. The quarterback has one last dance in the Valley. For better or worse.

1 month ago

Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals runs the ball against D.J. Wonnum #98 of the Carolina Pant...

Dan Bickley

Shame on the Cardinals for being eliminated from the playoffs in the worst of ways

The Cardinals fumbled around and found out and were eliminated from playoff contention after an embarrassing loss in Carolina on Sunday.

2 months ago

Cam Skattebo Big 12 Championship ASU football...

Dan Bickley

We are witnessing an all-time Cinderella story with ASU football headed to College Football Playoff

An ominous beginning at the Big 12 championship was nothing but a speed bump. Cyclones? At this point, there is no force of nature strong enough to derail ASU football.

2 months ago

As usual, J.J. Watt’s timing was impeccable in retirement announcement