'It’s just crazy:' JJ Watt connecting with fans, responding to texts

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) — Pewaukee native and NFL star J.J. Watt is telling fans to text him and to many people’s surprise, he’s responding.

Watt posted to social media on Tuesday night, Nov. 19 telling fans about the phone number.


“It’s just a way for me to try and connect more directly with you. Feel free, it’s 262-404-3664. Text me,” Watt says in the video.

Brown Deer and Watt fan Tim Murphy texted the number Wednesday morning. Within minutes, he received a text back from Watt.

“It’s mind blowing. You never expect it,” he said. “I read the message and it mentioned Brown Deer so I knew it was him... nothing too extensive just the fact that he had some great memories playing against Brown Deer and that was about it, but even that is just really cool.”

Murphy isn’t the only lucky one. One fan told Watt his teacher would give him 100 percent on his final if Watt responded, and he did.

"Wisconsin already knew he was a genuine person and the rest of the world is just kind of catching up,” Murphy said.

Watt says within two hours of posting the number he received more than 25,000 texts. He says he’ll try to get to as many as he can, but his brother T.J. posted teasing him saying even he can’t get a text back.

The CBS 58 Morning News Team even got in on the fun.

We’re waiting J.J.!

Share this article: