T.J. Watt is widely regarded as one of the NFL’s best defensive players. Selected 30th overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2017 NFL Draft, he quickly established himself as a dominant force on defense. Throughout his career, T.J. has consistently showcased relentless pass-rushing ability, amassing over 100 sacks and earning multiple Pro Bowl selections.

His knack for disrupting offenses and forcing turnovers has placed him among the league’s elite defenders. Off the field, T.J. balances the challenge of sibling rivalry with two legendary brothers, Derek and J.J. Watt, adding to the narrative of a remarkable football family legacy. This combination of talent, work ethic, and family support continues to define his impressive NFL journey.

Who are T.J. Watts’s Brothers? Meet Derek and J.J. Watt

T.J. Watt has two brothers, making him the youngest of the three siblings.

His oldest brother, J.J. Watt, is a former NFL star and currently works as an analyst for CBS Sports. In 2025, J.J. joined CBS’s No. 2 broadcast team alongside play-by-play announcer Ian Eagle, after previously serving as a studio analyst on The NFL Today in 2023 and 2024. Beyond football, J.J. founded the J.J. Watt Foundation in 2010, which helps kids access after-school sports programs, raising over a million dollars so far. He also enjoys recreational hockey and follows the NHL closely.

The middle brother, Derek Watt, is a former NFL fullback who played alongside his brothers in the league. Derek is known for his laid-back and easygoing personality. Derek. The Watt brothers often share family moments, traveling together on European trips and attending country concerts, showing the close bond they maintain off the field.

Together, the Watt brothers have created a remarkable family legacy both in football and beyond.

Have Derek and J.J. Watt also played in the NFL? Everything you need to know

Derek and J.J. Watt both made their marks in the NFL, though their careers followed very different trajectories.

Derek Watt had a respectable and steady seven-season career primarily as a fullback and special teams player. Drafted in 2016 by the San Diego Chargers in the sixth round, Derek played for the Chargers from 2016 to 2019 before signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2020, where he teamed up with his younger brother, T.J. Although his role was less glamorous, Derek’s contributions were crucial. Over his career, he rushed 29 times for 71 yards and scored 2 rushing touchdowns. He also caught 18 passes for 178 yards and 1 receiving touchdown. Often used as a blocker and special teams ace, Derek quietly fulfilled an important role before retiring in 2024.

J.J. Watt, meanwhile, was a defensive superstar. Drafted 11th overall by the Houston Texans in 2011, J.J. spent ten seasons establishing himself as one of the NFL’s greatest defensive players. After his time with the Texans, he played two seasons with the Arizona Cardinals before retiring in 2022. Known for his relentless pass rushing, J.J. was a five-time All-Pro and three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year. He led the league in sacks twice and was the first player since 1982 to record multiple 20-sack seasons. Even in his final season, he notched 12.5 sacks and 39 tackles, proving his elite status until the very end of his career.

Together with T.J., the Watt brothers have created a remarkable NFL legacy, known for their distinctive and impactful roles on the field.

What is the ethnicity of T.J. Watts’s siblings?

T.J. Watt’s brothers, J.J. and Derek, share the same diverse ethnic background. Their father, John Watt, has Swedish and Finnish Swedish roots, along with some Scottish, Slavic, German, and Lithuanian ancestry. Their mother, Connie Watt, is of Polish descent. This unique blend of Northern and Eastern European heritage is part of what shaped the brothers growing up in Pewaukee, Wisconsin. Raised by a firefighter father and a mother in business leadership, the Watt siblings developed a strong work ethic and close family bond.

This rich cultural background, combined with a supportive, hardworking family environment, has helped shape the three brothers into successful NFL players.

How is T.J. Watts’s Relationship with his brothers?

T.J. Watt’s relationship with his brothers is both close and relatable. Growing up in Pewaukee, Wisconsin, the three brothers—J.J., Derek, and T.J.—were very tight-knit and shared a love for football. T.J. and Derek even played together at the University of Wisconsin from 2012 to 2015. Their bond made NFL history in 2020 when all three played in the same game—J.J. with the Texans and Derek and T.J. with the Steelers—only the second time since 1927 this had happened.

Despite their closeness, T.J. has spoken openly about the challenges of growing up in the shadow of his older brothers, sharing feelings of being left out and struggling with resentment and depression. Still, the brothers’ bond has remained strong through it all.

Their relationship extends beyond football, as shown by their co-hosting the show Ultimate Tag in 2020. They constantly challenge each other, proving their connection is built on family, support, and fun. Their story is a reminder that even in the closest families, ups and downs happen, but love and loyalty always win.