Considered a four-star recruit by Rivals.com, he was rated the second best offensive guard prospect in his class.[4] He was named the 2008–09 Illinois Gatorade Player of the Year.[5] The Sporting News named him fifth-best offensive lineman and 35th best overall. He was ranked the top overall offensive guard by Scout.com and rated as 68th best overall prospect in the SI.com/Takkle Tackle Top 200.[3]
College career
Watt redshirted as a freshman in 2009 so he did not play any games. Watt began to see some action in 2010 as a Sophomore when he played 13 games. He provided depth and backup for Chris Stewart at right guard. He was the Fighting Irish's starting left guard in 2011, 2012, and 2013. During his senior year at Notre Dame, he alongside his offensive line compatriots only allowed eight sacks. This is tied for the second-fewest in the U.S.[6] He started all 13 games for the Irish in 2011. He played 47 straight games and started in 34 consecutive games before missing the Navy game due to an injured knee. He returned to start the final three games of the 2013 season, before being held out of the Pinstripe Bowl vs. Rutgers due to his previously injured knee.[7] At the end of his senior year, he was the recipient of the Pietrosante Award, given to the best student-athlete who demonstrated courage, loyalty, teamwork, dedication, and pride that resembled the late Irish fullback.[6]
Professional career
San Diego Chargers
Watt was selected by the San Diego Chargers in the 3rd round of the 2014 NFL draft.[8] Watt has played in 31 games in his professional career, and has started a total of 23.[9]
New Orleans Saints
On June 19, 2017, Watt was signed by the New Orleans Saints.[10] On July 26, 2017, he retired from the NFL.[11]
Coaching career
Watt spent the 2020 season as a graduate assistant at Notre Dame, where he worked with the offensive line.[12] On March 4, 2021, it was announced that Watt had been hired as the offensive line coach for Tulane University.
Personal life
Watt's great-great-uncle, Dan Hurley, and his grandfather, William, played football at Harvard University. His father, Richard (referred to by his friends as Watty), played football at Hillsdale College, and an uncle, Robert, played football at Brown University.[13] Watt's brother, Kevin, played football at Northwestern and his sister, Katie, played soccer at Toledo.[14]
