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Former Wisconsin Badgers FB Announces Retirement From the NFL

A former Wisconsin Badgers fullback has called it a career.

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2 months ago

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Nov 28, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Wisconsin Badgers fullback Derek Watt (34) holds the Paul Bunyan Axe after defeating the Minnesota Golden Gophers at TCF Bank Stadium. The Badgers won 31-21. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Former Wisconsin Badgers fullback Derek Watt has announced his retirement from football on Tuesday morning after seven seasons in the NFL. 

“I am retiring from playing this incredible game feeling full of gratitude and satisfaction knowing that I gave it my all each and every day, never took any shortcuts, and achieved so many of my goals along the way. It was all worth it,” Watt said on social media.

Former Wisconsin Badgers FB Derek Watt Calls It a Career

Sep 19, 2015; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers fullback Derek Watt (34) rushes with the football during the third quarter against the Troy Trojans at Camp Randall Stadium. Wisconsin won 28-3. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

In the current state of the league, where fullbacks are being phased out in favor of an extra receiver, Watt was still able to carve out a solid career for himself. 

His NFL journey began with being selected in the sixth round by the San Diego Chargers before their move to Los Angeles, where he would appear in every game during his first four seasons. 

After a successful stint with the Chargers, Watt would move on to the Pittsburgh Steelers, joining his younger brother TJ. The former Badger appeared in 12 games in 2020 due to an injury but quickly bounced back and played all 17 games in each of his last two seasons. 

Watt’s career marks will finish at 29 carries for 71 yards and two touchdowns on the ground, plus 18 receptions for 178 yards and a touchdown through the air in 110 career games. 

During his time at Wisconsin, Watt was a mainstay in the Badgers offense. He appeared in 47 games with 24 starts and led the way for some iconic Badgers running backs, including Montee Ball, James White, Melvin Gordon, and Corey Clement. He also has a 2012 Big Ten Championship, a 2014 Big Ten West title, plus an Outback Bowl and Holiday Bowl win under his belt. 

In 47 games with the Badgers, Watt logged 60 yards on 13 carries on the ground and 30 receptions for 309 yards and a touchdown through the air. 

Congratulations to Derek Watt on his retirement. He made Wisconsin Badgers fans proud.

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Jake Maier is the managing editor and publisher at BadgerNotes.com. He has provided coaching and editorial support to numerous writers in his role, contributing significantly to the platform's growth. His expertise extends to Wisconsin Badgers football, basketball, and recruiting coverage. Jake's previous bylines can be found at Fansided and Wisconsin Sports Heroics.

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