Growing up Watt: Brothers first, teammates second

PITTSBURGH — John and Connie Watt were attending a Super Bowl party several years ago when they found themselves in the company of NFL royalty.

Across the room stood Peyton and Eli Manning, descendants of Archie, dressed in their finery and cutting dashing figures. The Manning brothers oozed class as they extended hands and greetings to guests at a Gatorade-sponsored event.

John Watt studied the mannerisms of the Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks while huddled alongside his wife and middle son, Derek. They were awaiting the arrival of their two other boys, J.J. and T.J.

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“I’m there thinking to myself, ‘Wow, the Mannings are so business-like,’ " John recalled. “Then, our kids come in and the first thing J.J. does is slug T.J. in the shoulder. Then, T.J. puts J.J. in a headlock.”

John tells the story sitting in the living room of their new home about 20 miles west of Milwaukee. The Watts are empty nesters, which means none of Connie’s valuables need Bubble-wrapped. Their old house, just three blocks from Pewaukee High School, might as well have been carpeted with wrestling mats and cordoned off with ring ropes.

How does one family from rural Wisconsin send three kids to the NFL?

Good genes, strong values, bottomless milkshakes and non-stop competition.

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