Is Derek Watt still in the NFL?

When the Pittsburgh Steelers selected T.J. Watt in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft, there were already two Watt brothers playing in the National Football League. J.J. Watt was already a four-time First-Team All-Pro and three-time Defensive Player of the Year award winner, while Derek Watt was a fullback and special teams ace for the Chargers.

It was only a matter of time before football fans started daydreaming about scenarios that could bring all three brothers together on the same team in the NFL. While Derek joined T.J. in Pittsburgh in 2020, it wasn't in the cards for the eldest brother and J.J. Watt retired from the NFL in 2022.

T.J. Watt is the youngest of the Watt brothers and he continues on a future Hall of Fame pace with the Pittsburgh Steelers. But whatever happened to Derek Watt?

Derek Watt retired from the NFL in 2024

Derek Watt, the middle brother of three professional football players, officially announced his retirement from the NFL on March 12th, 2024 with a heartfelt post on social media sharing his gratitude.

Watt was selected in the sixth round (198th overall) of the 2016 NFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers (who would relocate to Los Angeles one year later). After four seasons with the Chargers, Watt inked a three-year, $9.75 million deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

When his contract expired after the 2022 season at the age of 30, Watt remained unsigned. After spending the entire 2023 season as a free agent, Watt announced his retirement early in the 2024 offseason.

During his career, Watt carried the ball 29 times for 71 yards and 2 touchdowns while catching 18 of 21 passes for 178 yards and a score. He played in 110 NFL games while logging 767 snaps on offense and a whopping 2005 snaps on special teams from 2016 to 2022, according to Pro Football Reference.

Derek Watt was recognized as a special teams captain on the Steelers in 2021. He played seven seasons in the National Football League before announcing his retirement.