Cardinals’ JJ Watt Underwent Treatment for Heart Condition

The Arizona Cardinals defensive end revealed he underwent treatment for an atrial fibrillation earlier this week.
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Cardinals defensive end JJ Watt revealed that he underwent treatment for a heart condition on Wednesday ahead of the team’s matchup against the Panthers on Sunday.

The 33-year-old was listed as questionable ahead of last Sunday’s game against the Rams due to a calf injury and illness, the Cardinals’ injury report noted. He ended up playing in the game, though.

The three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year addressed the heart treatment on Twitter before an unknown media outlet was set to release the news, Watt said.

“I was just told somebody leaked some personal information about me, and it’s going to be reported on today,” Watt posted on Twitter. “I went into A-Fib on Wednesday, had my heart shocked back into rhythm on Thursday and I’m playing today. That’s it.”

An atrial fibrillation occurs when someone’s heart beats rapidly and irregularly, which eventually could cause a stroke or clot.

Watt experienced dizziness after practice Wednesday, Cardinals sources told Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer. Watt visited a doctor, who then sent him to a cardiologist. Watt underwent a cardioversion procedure, which corrects an abnormally fast heart rate or cardiac arrhythmia. Watt was checked by multiple cardiologists after the procedure. He was cleared to practice on Friday and is set to play today against Carolina.

Josina Anderson of CBS Sports reported that Watt is expected to address his health with the media following Sunday’s game.

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Madison Williams
MADISON WILLIAMS

Madison Williams is a staff writer on the Breaking and Trending News team at Sports Illustrated, where she specializes in tennis but covers a wide range of sports from a national perspective. Before joining SI in 2022, Williams worked at The Sporting News. Having graduated from Augustana College, she completed a master’s in sports media at Northwestern University. She is a dog mom and an avid reader.