After 12 seasons, multiple Pro-Bowl appearances, and the near-unanimous distinction of being one of the greatest defensive linemen of all time, a University of Wisconsin alum is calling it a career in the NFL.

J. J. Watt announced on Twitter that he has played his "last ever NFL home game," which was when his Arizona Cardinals took on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Christmas Day. The Cardinals had a 10-point lead, but wound up losing to the Tom Brady-led Bucs 19-16. In the game, Watt recorded five tackles and one assisted tackle.

Watt noted that the game was special despite the loss because it was his son Koa's first NFL game.

Watt has been one of the most beloved and popular players in the NFL since entering the league in 2011. Drafted 11th overall by the Houston Texans, he is a three-time Defensive Player of the Year, having won the award in 2012, 2014, and 2015. With two games left, Watt has 111.5 career sacks (38th in league history), and was a member of the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team.

Watt is also tied with his younger brother, T. J. Watt, for most seasons leading the NFL in sacks: in the last 10 seasons, four of them have been led by one of the Watt brothers when it comes to total number of sacks.

Watt grew up in Pewaukee, Wisconsin before initially attending college at Central Michigan in 2007. He then transferred to Wisconsin, where both of his brothers, T.J. and Derek, would go on to play. Watt shined at Wisconsin, securing 11.5 career sacks and over 74 solo tackles.

J. J. Watt greets his wife Kealia Watt and their newborn baby, Koa, during the Buccaneers/Cardinals matchup. Photo Credit: Christian Petersen, Getty Images
J. J. Watt greets his wife Kealia Watt and their newborn baby, Koa, during the Buccaneers/Cardinals matchup. Photo Credit: Christian Petersen, Getty Images
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Watt's Arizona Cardinals have floundered to a 4-11 record this season, meaning one final playoff run for Watt is a lost cause. Watt will retire without a Super Bowl, but his resume speaks for itself: he will leave the game as a legend and he'll have a bust in Canton, OH very soon.

The Cardinals' final two games are on the road, against the Atlanta Falcons and the division-rival San Francisco 49ers, respectively.

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