“I tell people my kids never saw a Disney movie, but they had every ball known to mankind in their hands before they were two years old,” Connie Watt, mother of NFL stars J.J., Derek, and T.J. Watt, once shared, highlighting the sports-centric upbringing orchestrated by her and her husband, John Watt. This dedication to athletics, instilled by parents John and Connie Watt, shaped the lives of their sons from a young age, leading them to remarkable careers in professional football.
The Watt brothers’ early exposure to sports was heavily influenced by their parents, particularly their father, John Watt. Hockey was a significant part of the family’s life, a passion passed down from John and Connie. In fact, demonstrating their unwavering commitment, the Watts headed straight to a hockey rink for J.J.’s practice immediately after T.J. was born. This anecdote perfectly encapsulates the Watt family’s deep-rooted connection to sports and the pivotal role John Watt played in nurturing this environment. But who is John Watt, the man behind these extraordinary athletes?
The Firefighter and Coach: John Watt’s Influence
Born to John and Connie Watt, T.J. Watt arrived in November 1994 in Pewaukee, Wisconsin. Growing up, the Watt brothers learned invaluable life lessons from their father, John Watt. For over two decades, John Watt served as a firefighter, embodying dedication and service. However, his role extended far beyond providing for his family. Starting when his sons reached the fifth grade, John Watt stepped into the role of coach, not just in sports, but in life. He instilled in his sons a powerful mantra: striving for perfection, not demanding it.
John and Connie Watt with their sons
“My saying has always been, ‘I don’t expect you to be perfect, But I always expect you to try to be perfect,’” John Watt explained, reflecting on his parenting philosophy. Despite a demanding 24-hour shift firefighting career, John Watt was deeply involved in his family’s lives. He and Connie emphasized accountability, assigning chores to their sons, ensuring they understood the importance of responsibility from a young age. This blend of discipline and support from John Watt proved instrumental in shaping his sons’ character and work ethic.
Connie Watt, John’s wife and the mother of the Watt brothers, was equally influential. She held a significant position as VP of a building inspection company before dedicating herself to the JJ Watt Foundation. Managing the foundation’s daily operations with the help of volunteers, Connie’s commitment to giving back mirrored John’s dedication to public service. T.J. Watt openly acknowledges his mother’s immense contribution, recognizing her as the backbone of the family and a constant source of strength and support throughout their demanding athletic journeys.
A Family United: The Watt Brothers and Holiday Fun
The Watt family’s bond, nurtured by John and Connie, remains strong even as the brothers have achieved individual success and started their own families. Their upbringing, centered around sports and strong family values instilled by John Watt, provided them with a unique edge. While some might debate whether a sports-focused childhood deprives children of other experiences, for the Watt brothers, it paved the way for extraordinary achievements and a deeply rooted family connection.
Recently, the Watt family showcased their close-knit dynamic in a heartwarming commercial for Dick’s Sporting Goods, tapping into the nostalgic joy of holiday shopping.
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The Dick’s Sporting Goods commercial captures the Watt family’s playful spirit as they navigate a store filled with holiday gifts. In a humorous scene reminiscent of “Night at the Museum,” T.J. Watt becomes so engrossed in the store’s offerings that he’s left behind by his family. Even Connie Watt, in the holiday rush, momentarily forgets her youngest son. The commercial culminates in a charming moment where T.J., left alone, illuminates the entire store with Christmas lights, perfectly capturing the magic of the holiday season and the Watt family’s endearing personalities.
From John Watt coaching his sons in their early years to witnessing their rise to NFL stardom, the Watt family’s journey is a testament to the power of parental guidance and unwavering support. John and Connie Watt’s dedication to their sons, coupled with their emphasis on hard work and family values, has undoubtedly played a crucial role in shaping J.J., Derek, and T.J. Watt into the accomplished individuals they are today.
