The Story Behind NFL Star TJ Watt's Wisconsin Badgers Jersey

The Inspiring Journey of TJ Watt's Wisconsin Jersey

The Wisconsin Badgers football program has produced many great players over the years, but few capture the imagination quite like TJ Watt. As the younger brother of NFL stars JJ Watt and Derek Watt, expectations were high for T.J. right from the start. However, through hard work and determination, TJ has forged his own path in the sport.

From Walk-On to Superstar

TJ Watt began his Wisconsin career in 2013 as an unheralded tight end recruit. He had to walk-on just to earn a roster spot with the Badgers. Over the next few years, TJ switched positions to outside linebacker and gradually earned more playing time. By his junior season in 2016, he had locked down a starting role and went on to have a monster year.

Playing in Wisconsin's iconic red home jersey with white away jerseys, TJ racked up 63 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, and 11.5 sacks. He helped lead the Badgers' defense to great heights as the team went 11-3 that season. TJ consistently disrupted opposing offenses with his explosiveness off the edge.

Rising draft stock

After just one fully healthy season as a starter at Wisconsin, TJ Watt declared for the NFL draft. Scouts knew all about his last name but were blown away by his prototypical size, athletic traits, and motor. Despite having less experience than most high-level prospects, TJ's talent and bloodlines made him an intriguing player.

The Pittsburgh Steelers selected TJ with the 30th overall pick in the 2017 draft. In an inspiration full-circle moment, TJ proudly wore a Wisconsin jersey on stage with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. This was the same jersey he had worn while defying expectations for the Badgers not long ago as an unheralded walk-on. Now, he stood poised to make a name for himself at football's highest level.

TJ Watt's Wisconsin Jersey Today

It didn't take long for TJ Watt to emerge as a star defender for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Over his first six NFL seasons, TJ has racked up 72 sacks, including tying the NFL's single-season sack record with 22.5 in 2021. He has established himself as arguably the most feared pass-rusher in all of football.

Honoring the Past

Despite all his professional success at the game's top level, TJ has never forgotten his Wisconsin roots. He stays engaged with the school's football program and makes donations to help current Badgers walk-ons with living expenses. After all, he walked that same path not so long ago before earning a scholarship.

TJ also still cherishes the memories from his breakout 2016 season at Wisconsin. That #42 Wisconsin jersey he wore in so many huge Big Ten matchups still holds sentimental value. He proudly displayed it again at his alma mater's spring game in 2022, reflecting on how far he's come.

Inspiring the Future

Back in his home state of Wisconsin, TJ Watt's story continues to inspire young athletes to this day. Kids proudly sport his college and Pittsburgh Steelers jerseys, imaging that they could follow a similar path to gridiron greatness. The path from walk-on long shot to first-team All-Pro is an unlikely one, but TJ's journey proves that it is possible through perseverance.

By wearing his old #42 Wisconsin jersey with Badgers pride, TJ gives back by motivating the next generation. Young athletes chasing big dreams in youth leagues across Wisconsin can't help but admire TJ's determination to beat the odds. If he could walk that path, why can't they?

The Future of the TJ Watt Wisconsin Jersey

So what does the future hold for TJ Watt's unforgettable Wisconsin jersey? It will likely eventually end up on display at Camp Randall Stadium or in the Wisconsin Football Hall of Fame. As one of the program's all-time greats who always stays connected to his roots, TJ's #42 Badgers jersey deserves a special place in school history.

Retirement and Recognition

Once TJ decides to hang up his cleats down the line, he will undoubtedly be honored permanently by Wisconsin. His Wisconsin jersey helped make his journey to superstardom possible. The program will likely officially retire #42 to commemorate everything TJ achieved. It may also become a popular giveaway or auction item for Wisconsin fans eager to own a piece of history.

Timeless Inspiration

Most excitingly, TJ Watt's Wisconsin jersey will continue to motivate and inspire future Badgers. Young players will see that jersey on display or in photos and use TJ's path from walk-on to NFL star as fuel. If he could overcome all obstacles, why can't the next unheralded recruit do the same?

That Wisconsin #42 jersey may end up framed and collecting dust decades from now when TJ is long retired. But its underlying story will echo on and impact players and fans alike. How a underdog put on that uniform and unleashed greatness through relentless effort. No matter what the future holds for that timeless jersey itself, TJ Watt's inspirational journey will never fade.

FAQs

What number was TJ Watt at Wisconsin?

TJ Watt wore #42 during his breakout junior season at Wisconsin in 2016. He racked up big stats while helping lead a strong Badgers defense.

When did the Steelers draft TJ Watt?

The Pittsburgh Steelers selected linebacker TJ Watt with the 30th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. He had a dominant final season at Wisconsin despite limited experience.

Is TJ Watt's Wisconsin jersey retired?

TJ Watt's #42 Wisconsin jersey has not been formally retired yet by the Badgers. However, it likely will receive that honor once Watt wraps up his NFL career, given his success and popularity.

Where did TJ Watt transfer from?

TJ Watt began his college career at Central Michigan University in 2013. He transferred to join the Wisconsin Badgers as a tight end walk-on in 2014 before switching to defense and emerging as a standout.