Defensive end J.J. Watt has played his final game as a Badger.
In an open letter to fans, Watt announced his decision to forgo his senior season at Wisconsin and enter the 2011 NFL Draft.
Watt, who collected 62 total tackles this season, including 21 for a loss, en route to an First Team All- Big Ten selection, said that his decision to end his collegiate career was not an easy one.
""This has, without a doubt, been one of the most difficult decisions of my life, and it is one that was not reached quickly, or easily,"" he said.
Although there was a great deal of speculation that Watt was poised to jump to the professional level, as of Sunday the Pewaukee, Wis., native said he had not yet made a decision. Winner of the 2010 Lott Impact Trophy, Watt expressed his gratitude Thursday to both his teammates and Wisconsin fans.
""I could not have asked for better coaches to play for, better teammates to play alongside, or a better fan base to represent throughout my collegiate career,"" Watt said. ""It has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember to play in the National Football League, and through hard work and dedication, that dream finally has a chance to become a reality.""
Wisconsin head coach Bret Bielema had similar high praises for Watt.
""He is a terrific example of what we want our student-athletes to be, both on and off the field, and he will be missed,"" Bielema said. ""I wish him nothing but the best and I know he will be successful in his future endeavors.""
Watt, who transferred to Wisconsin following a season as a tight end at Central Michigan University, started all 26 games for the Badgers in 2009 and 2010. In those two seasons, Watt accumulated 106 total tackles, with 36.5 for a loss, while grabbing 11.5 sacks, four fumble recoveries, and one interception.
Watt will also be remembered for game changing performances in key contests this season. Against then-No. 1 Ohio State in October, Watt collected two late sacks of Buckeye junior quarterback Terrelle Pryor in the final five minutes of the game to seal the win for Wisconsin. The next week against Iowa, Watt blocked an early extra point in an eventual one-point Badger victory.
And while Watt's final game as Badger, a loss against TCU in the Rose Bowl, was certainly frustrating, Watt leaves Wisconsin as one of the most successful defensive ends in recent memory, and stands to find himself as a first-round selection in the NFL Draft in April.
