Is Derek Watt Still In The Nfl

The other day, I was scrolling through old NFL highlight reels—you know, the kind that suck you in for an hour when you’re supposed to be working. A clip popped up of a fullback clearing a massive hole for a running back, and I thought, “Wait, that’s Derek Watt.” Then came the inevitable follow-up question that hits every casual fan: Is this guy still in the NFL? I had to check myself, because the Watt name is usually attached to his brothers—J.J. and T.J.—but Derek has always been the quiet, gritty one. Let’s dig into the mystery, shall we?

A Career Built on Blocks, Not Headlines

Derek Watt was never the star—he was the fullback, that dying breed of player who loves contact and doesn’t care about the stat sheet. He entered the league as a sixth-round pick for the Chargers in 2016, and he carved out a niche as a lead blocker and special teams ace. If you blinked, you missed his impact, but coaches loved him for the dirty work. His highlight reel is full of pancake blocks, not touchdowns, and that’s exactly how he wanted it.

After four years with the Chargers, he signed a two-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2020, where he blocked for his brother T.J.—a weird but wonderful piece of NFL trivia. (Can you imagine family dinners after a game? “Hey Derek, you missed a block!” Brutal.) He spent 2020 and 2021 in Pittsburgh, but by 2022, the fullback position was fading fast. The Steelers didn’t re-sign him, and suddenly, Derek was a free agent with a question mark over his career.

So… Is He on a Roster Right Now?

As of the 2024 season, no, Derek Watt is not on an active NFL roster. He last played in 2022, and after that season, he didn’t sign with any team. But here’s the twist: he hasn’t officially retired. That’s the part that trips people up. He’s living in that gray area of “available free agent,” but at 31 years old, the phone isn’t exactly ringing off the hook for a fullback with no recent film.

Let’s be honest—fullbacks are like landline phones in the NFL. They’re retro, nostalgic, and most teams don’t need one. The league has shifted to spread offenses and tight ends who block, so Derek’s skillset is a niche within a niche. It’s ironic: the same job security that made him a legend in the locker room also makes him a dinosaur on the field.

Derek Watt retires after 7 NFL seasons

What Is He Doing Now?

According to his social media, Derek is enjoying life away from the game. He’s been posting about family, working out, and occasionally hanging with T.J. and J.J.—which, honestly, sounds like a pretty solid retirement plan. (I mean, if you’re going to be a free agent, at least do it with two brothers who are future Hall of Famers, right?) He’s also been involved in charity work and some business ventures, keeping a low profile but staying active.

There’s a part of me that thinks he could get a training camp invite if a team suddenly needs a cheap, reliable blocker. But the NFL is a young man’s game, and most teams would rather draft a rookie fullback or convert a tight end for half the cost. Derek Watt is the definition of “serviceable veteran”—and that’s a tough sell when front offices are obsessed with upside.

How Many Watt Brothers Play in the NFL?

The Watt Name Weight

Let’s address the elephant in the room: Derek’s career is always compared to his brothers’. J.J. is a future Hall of Famer and one of the best defensive players ever. T.J. is a multiple-time Defensive Player of the Year. And Derek? He’s a fullback with 10 career carries and 15 catches. That sounds harsh, but it’s not a knock—it’s a reminder that being a Watt comes with sky-high expectations that Derek never asked for.

Here’s the thing: Derek didn’t just play because his last name was Watt. He earned his spot through special teams and blocking, which is the least glamorous path in football. (Seriously, try getting excited for a fullback drill—it’s like watching paint dry, but with more concussions.) He carved out a six-year career, which is already a win considering the average NFL lifespan is about 3.3 years. That’s nothing to sneeze at.

Photo: Steelers Derek Watt Celebrates One Yard Touchdown

Will He Ever Come Back?

It’s unlikely, but not impossible. If a team like the San Francisco 49ers (who still use fullbacks) suffered an injury to their starter, they might call Derek for a workout. He’s fit, he’s known as a reliable teammate, and he understands the game at a high level. But let’s be real—he’s probably happier staying home, watching his brothers dominate, and not having to ask for a medical clearance every Monday.

For now, the answer to that burning question is: No, Derek Watt is not in the NFL. But don’t expect him to burn his jersey just yet. He’s waiting by the phone, pizza in hand, ready to answer if the league calls. And if it doesn’t? Well, he’ll always have the memory of blocking for T.J. in a snowy Pittsburgh game. That’s a pretty cool story to tell at family reunions.

So next time you see a fullback highlight, think of Derek Watt—the forgotten brother who did the dirty work so the Watt name could shine in other ways. He’s not in the league right now, but he was one of the last of a dying breed. And honestly? That’s more than most of us can say about our jobs.