J.J. Watt, one of the most dominant defensive players in NFL history, is calling it a career.The Cardinals edge rusher announced his retirement on Dec. 27 on Twitter and Instagram, saying that he's played in his last-ever home game.Koas first ever NFL game.My last ever NFL home game.My heart is filled with nothing but love and gratitude. Its been an absolute honor and a pleasure. JJ Watt (@JJWatt) "Koas first ever NFL game. My last ever NFL home game. My heart is filled with nothing but love and gratitude. Its been an absolute honor and a pleasure," Watt tweeted. Albert Okwuegbunam Jersey MORE: Watt is ending his career after a dozen seasons in the NFL, the first 10 of which he spent with the Texans. In all, he's ama sed 111 1/2 sacks over those 12 seasons (149 games), earning the league's Defensive Player of the Year award three times. He's also earned first-team All-Pro nods five times in his career.It's been an eventful year for Watt: His wife, Chicago Red Stars soccer star Kealia Watt, , Koa (referenced in the farewell tweet) in October.Watt also back into rhythm earlier in the season, a diagnosis that didn't keep him off the field.While he's been a dominant player on the field, he also dealt with his fair share of injuries throughout his career. Watt has mi sed time with pec, back, core and shoulder injuries throughout his 12 seasons with the Texans and Cardinals.A , Watt helped raise $37 million for Hurricane Harvey relief for Houston in 2017.The NFL world paid tribute to Watt following his announcement: TJ Watt (@_TJWatt) This JJ Watt speech after the Texans lost another game will forever be one of my favorites.Every single word. Nothing but the truth. Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) Injuries robbed us of a big chunk of the peak of JJ Watt's career and he was STILL a Hall of Famer - that's how good he was.Moved from an interior lineman to an elite edge and back again over his career.Still owns the record for most pre sures in a single season (119) Sam Monson (@PFF_Sam) JJ Watt has the most 20+ sack seasons in NFL history.His 2014 season was incredible. He had 20.5 sacks, 10 pa ses defended, 80-yard pick-six, 4 forced fumbles on defense and caught 3 pa ses for 3 TDs on offense.One of the best to ever do it. Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) Game recognize game Congratulations on a great career, . Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) One of the best to EVER do it: 5x Pro Bowler 5x First team All-Pro 3x Defensive Player of the Year Walter Payton Man of the Year 2x sacks leaderCongrats, ! Sunday Night Football on NBC (@SNFonNBC) One of the greatest defensive players of all time. When JJ Watt was at his best weve seen few if any better. But what Watt has accomplished on the field is nothing compared to what hes done off of it. What he did for city of Houston during hurricane Harvey was simply remarkable James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) The definitive photo of , an extraordinary combination of talent and pa sion for the game. Ed Werder (@WerderEdESPN) Frank Tripucka Jersey