Cardinals’ J.J. Watt and Kyler Murray rank top-40 in NFL jersey sales

Jul 31, 2021, 10:15 AM | Updated: Aug 2, 2021, 9:04 am

Defensive end J.J. Watt (99) waits in line with Leki Fotu (95) as quarterback Kyler Murray (1) looks on in the background during the Cardinals' first day of mandatory minicamp on Tuesday, June 8, 2021, in Tempe. (Tyler Drake/Arizona Sports)

(Tyler Drake/Arizona Sports)

BY AUSTIN NICHOLSON

Arizona Sports

Defensive end J.J. Watt has yet to play a down of football for the Arizona Cardinals, but he has already become a fan favorite.

The 32 year-old is ranked No. 23 in the NFL Players Association’s latest jersey sales list.

Watt comes in ahead of teammate and quarterback Kyler Murray, who has the 38th-most jerseys sold.

Watt was by far the Cardinals’ biggest addition this offseason. He signed a two-year, $31 million deal on March 1 after playing 10 seasons for the Houston Texans.

While in Houston, Watt was a five-time Pro Bowler and three-time Defensive Player of the Year. The Wisconsin native led the team in total sacks in six different seasons, including four straight (2012-15).

An issue for Watt, however, is that he has suffered serious injuries throughout his career. The Cardinals hope that trend does not continue.

Arizona placed him on the active PUP list to begin training camp due to a hamstring issue following the team’s conditioning test on Tuesday.

“We obviously did the conditioning test yesterday, completed the conditioning test and then had a little soreness in my hamstring, so we’re just being very smart about it,” Watt said after the team’s practice on Wednesday.

“Obviously being in the league 10 years, and the biggest thing that I know is it’s all about Week 1. It’s all about being ready for Sept. 12 and taking a smart, smooth approach to that date.”