J.J. Watt picks up 1st sack as a father, points to cleat with son’s name

Oct 30, 2022, 12:31 PM | Updated: Oct 31, 2022, 8:48 am

Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings throws the ball as J.J. Watt #99 of the Arizona Cardinals defends during the first half at U.S. Bank Stadium on October 30, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)

(Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)

BY ARIZONA SPORTS

Arizona Cardinals defensive end J.J. Watt played his first game as a father Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings, and he found a way to commemorate the occasion.

Watt donned cleats with his newborn son Koa James’ name, footprints and date of birth, which was Oct. 23.

A closer look at @JJWatt‘s custom cleats dedicated to his newborn son, Koa James Watt 💙 pic.twitter.com/ybHfLiq5qu

— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) October 30, 2022

He tweeted a photo of the shoes before the game with the caption, “Purpose.”

During the third quarter, Watt on a third down blitz broke through the line and sacked quarterback Kirk Cousins to force a punt.

For Koa 💙@JJWatt x #BirdCityFootball pic.twitter.com/vX4VpSqfUF

— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) October 30, 2022

Watt then pointed to his cleats.

The Cardinals took a 17-14 lead over the Vikings on their ensuing offensive possession, as Zach Ertz — another new father — fought through multiple tackles to score a touchdown.

Watt picked up a second sack in the fourth quarter, also on third down. He celebrated that one with a tribute to Jared Allen, the former Minnesota Vikings great who was in attendance.

After Vikings fans booed Watt, the Cardinals defensive end needed to clarify postgame that he was doing the celebration as a nod to Allen — not to slight him.