'Childhood Dream': J.J., T.J. Watt Are Now Brothers From the Same Wheaties Cover
Tuesday, July 11, 2023 at 06:57PM By Barry Janoff
July 11, 2023: J.J. Watt may have retired from pro football, but that has not put him on the inactive list.
In May, Watt and his wife, former U.S. Women’s National Team member Kealia Watt, became investors in the Burnley Football Club.
Last month, he signed a multi-year deal with CBS Sports to become a NFL studio analyst across all platforms.
Now, Watt and his brothers T.J. Watt and Derek Watt, have become box cover stars for General Mills brand Wheaties.
Wheaties, which in 2024 will celebrate its 100th anniversary, today said J.J. and T.J. Watt would appear on the front cover of an upcoming cereal box, with Derek to appear on the back.
The brand said they are the first brothers to be on the cereal box together, and the first duo to be featured on a Wheaties box cover since 1934.
“It is a childhood dream come true to be on the next Wheaties box,” J.J. and T.J. said via Wheaties. “To be included among the incredible roster of athletes who have been featured over the years is a true honor.
"We hope this box is a reminder for athletes and people everywhere to persevere — on the field and in life — and always champion what you’re passionate about.”
The Watt brothers limited-edition Wheaties Box will be available at major retailers nationwide in early August.
J.J. Watt, regarded as one of the best defensive players in NFL history and a future Hall of Famer, was with the Houston Texans (2011-20) and Arizona Cardinals (2021-22).
T.J. Watt, who has been with the Pittsburgh Steelers since 2017, has been named to five Pro Bowls and was the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2021.
Derek Watt has played for the Steelers and Los Angeles Chargers and is currently a free agent.
However, Wheaties said the selection of the Watt Brothers was as much for their off-the-field work as their NFL exploits.
J.J. Watt founded the Justin J. Watt Foundation in 2010, which provides after-school opportunities for children to get involved in athletics in a safe environment.
In celebration of the new box, Wheaties is donating $100,000 to the Justin J. Watt Foundation "to help in its work of creating safe, after-school athletic opportunities for middle-schoolers."
Wheaties said J.J. and T.J. have both also participated in efforts to help those in need “after some of the most impactful events in the U.S.s over the past decade including Hurricane Harvey and participation in the Make-A-Wish foundation.
In 2022, T.J. helped design custom hats to help cover the cost of childrens’ treatments at Pittstburgh Children’s Hospital.
“Built around a uniting love for football, the Watt family is grounded in perseverance, togetherness, and a commitment to doing the right thing when it matters most, while serving communities in their lives outside of football,” Kathy Dixon, senior brand experience manager for Wheaties, said via the brand.
“That’s what being a Wheaties Champion is all about, and one of the many reasons we’re so proud to feature J.J. and T.J. on the cover of this limited-edition box.”
J.J. Watt is a five-time NFL First-Team All Pro and five-time Pro Bowl selection, Watt was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year three times and also honored as the 2017 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year.
He is the only player in NFL history to record multiple seasons with at least 20 sacks and finished his career with 114.5 sacks.
“To be included among the incredible roster of athletes who have been featured over the years is a true honor."
The Watt Brothers join a distinguished list of athletes and others who have appeared on a Wheaties box, which from 1934 to 1956 put the images on the back side of the cereal box.
According to the company, Lou Gehrig in 1934 was the first athlete depicted on a Wheaties box.
Also in 1934, aviator Elinor Smith was the first woman depicted on a Wheaties box.
In 1935, the first woman athlete depicted on a Wheaties box was multi-sport star Babe Didrikson Zaharias.
In 1956, Olympian Bob Richards became the first star to have his image on the front of the Wheaties box.
The first African-American on the front of a Wheaties box was Walter Payton in 1986.
Michael Jordan holds the record for most depictions on a Wheaties box, a total of 18 times, followed by Tiger Woods (14 times).
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