ARIZONA CARDINALS

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 ...

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)

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.

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.

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.

Make that 104.5 sacks pre-fatherhood, two post-acquiring dad strength.

Catch the game on Arizona Sports 98.7, the Arizona Sports app or ArizonaSports.com for all the action.

Presented By
Western Governors University

Comments

Comment guidelines: No name-calling, personal attacks, profanity, or insults. Please keep the conversation civil and help us moderate comments by reporting abuse.
comments powered by Disqus

Arizona Cardinals

Desmond Ridder runs the rock against Houston...

Tyler Drake

Desmond Ridder eager to remind fellow Cardinals QB Clayton Tune about college wins

Cardinals quarterback Desmond Ridder may not know Kyler Murray just yet, but he and Clayton Tune go way back.

21 hours ago

LSU's Malik Nabers, a top NFL Draft prospect...

Kevin Zimmerman

NFL Draft: Malik Nabers to visit Arizona Cardinals after LSU pro day, per report

Top NFL Draft receiver prospect Malik Nabers will reportedly visit with the Arizona Cardinals after the LSU Tigers' pro day.

1 day ago

Desmond Ridder looks to pass...

Tyler Drake

QB1 or not, Desmond Ridder keeping starter mentality with Cardinals

New Cardinals QB Desmond Ridder is focused on using the good and the bad from his first two seasons rather than listening to outside chatter.

2 days ago

Jonathan Gannon and Kyler Murray look on...

Tyler Drake

Cardinals’ Jonathan Gannon: Kyler Murray’s ‘best football is ahead of him’

Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon believes Kyler Murray will continue taking the necessary steps forward with a full offseason of work.

2 days ago

Kyler Murray chats with Jonathan Gannon...

Arizona Sports

Arizona Cardinals will face ‘really good’ AFC opponent for joint preseason practices

The Arizona Cardinals expect to hold joint practices in the preseason against a really good AFC opponent, in the words of Jonathan Gannon.

2 days ago

Patriots and Cardinals kick off return in 2020...

Associated Press

NFL owners approve new kickoff rules for 2024

NFL kickoff rules will take on a hybrid approach similar to the XFL. League owners approved the new measures Tuesday.

2 days ago

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