Former NFL fullback · Pewaukee, Wisconsin
Derek John Watt
Middle Watt brother; Pewaukee High class of 2011; Wisconsin Badgers fullback; Chargers and Steelers, 2016–2023
$12.2 million
Derek John Watt is the middle Watt brother who made his name as a fullback and lead blocker rather than a sack artist. Born in Waukesha on November 7, 1992, he starred at Pewaukee High School, class of 2011, and was named the Associated Press Wisconsin Player of the Year in 2010 as a two-way back and linebacker. He and younger brother T.J. were already teammates in maroon and gold before either reached the NFL; older brother J.J., five years ahead, never got that high-school or college reunion. At Wisconsin he stayed a Badger fullback, and the San Diego Chargers took him in the sixth round of the 2016 draft. Four seasons in San Diego and Los Angeles as a lead blocker and special-teamer set up a three-year, $9.75 million deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2020, the contract that finally put him on the same NFL roster as T.J. In Week 2 of that first Steelers season he blocked a punt for a safety against Denver. He retired from the NFL in March 2024 after seven seasons; Spotrac career cash through retirement ran to about $12.2 million. Pewaukee retired his No. 16 alongside T.J.'s No. 20 in May 2023; J.J.'s No. 9 had already come down in 2013. The place claim is Waukesha birth and a Pewaukee upbringing that produced three NFL brothers from one high-school program. Derek's lane was the fullback's: short yardage, kick coverage, and the quiet work that keeps a skill group honest.