Following Wisconsin’s devastating defeat to BYU, J.J. Watt reveals his plan to boycott.
The NCAA Tournament is an event that brings out a wide range of emotions, from jubilant celebrations to crushing disappointments. For the Wisconsin Badgers, the team’s loss to BYU in the second round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament was a heartbreaking blow. While the team, players, and coaches processed their emotions in the aftermath of the game, the story took an unexpected twist when NFL star J.J. Watt, a former Wisconsin football player and an outspoken advocate for his alma mater, took to social media to announce his decision to boycott the remaining games of the tournament.
Watt’s tweet, which garnered significant attention, read: “I can’t support a tournament that lets a team like BYU beat my Badgers. It’s time to take a stand and let my voice be heard. #BoycottMarchMadness.” The tweet shocked the sports world, sparking debates about athlete activism, loyalty to schools, and the broader context of college basketball. In the following days, Watt provided more insight into his decision, offering a deeply personal perspective on why he chose to take such a dramatic stance.
The Background: J.J. Watt’s Wisconsin Legacy
Before diving into Watt’s decision to boycott, it’s essential to understand his connection to the University of Wisconsin. As one of the most celebrated football players in recent history, Watt’s time at Wisconsin is remembered for his explosive talent, leadership, and commitment to excellence. He played for the Badgers from 2008 to 2010, making an indelible mark on the program. Despite his football career taking him to the NFL, Watt has always maintained a strong connection to his alma mater, frequently advocating for Wisconsin sports and lending his voice to support both the football and basketball programs.
Watt’s bond with Wisconsin runs deep. He grew up in Waukesha, Wisconsin, just a short drive from Madison, making him one of the most passionate and vocal proponents of Badger athletics. His ties to the university were evident throughout his career, whether it was through social media posts, public appearances, or philanthropic efforts aimed at helping Wisconsin student-athletes. For many, Watt represents the epitome of what it means to be a Wisconsin Badger—hardworking, determined, and committed to doing whatever it takes to succeed.
But when Wisconsin’s basketball team faced off against BYU in the NCAA Tournament, the stakes were personal for Watt. While he didn’t play basketball for the Badgers, his loyalty to the school and its athletes extended beyond just football. His decision to take a stand after the loss to BYU was a testament to how deeply he felt about the program, even in sports where he wasn’t directly involved.
Watt’s Decision to Boycott the NCAA Tournament
In his initial tweet, Watt was clear about his feelings toward the Wisconsin basketball team’s devastating defeat. While his words were strong, the underlying emotion was one of frustration and disappointment. Many speculated that Watt’s move was a response to the perceived injustice of the loss, but Watt quickly clarified the motivations behind his decision during a press conference in Houston, where he was in the middle of preparing for the NFL offseason.
“It’s not just about the game,” Watt said, his voice tinged with a mix of emotion and resolve. “It’s about what it represents. I’ve seen my team—my school—work so hard all season, put their heart and soul into every game, and when you see them fall short, it feels like a punch to the gut. I’m proud of the Badgers, and I’m angry about what happened. So, I’m taking a stand. I can’t support a system that I feel is broken. I know it sounds extreme, but sometimes extreme situations call for extreme measures.”
Watt’s remarks struck a chord with fans, who were divided between supporting his decision and questioning its validity. On one hand, some applauded his passion and dedication to Wisconsin. On the other hand, critics argued that boycotting the NCAA Tournament, which included athletes from across the country, would only hurt the sport as a whole. “It’s not about just one team. It’s about the entire tournament,” Watt continued. “We should be celebrating all these incredible student-athletes, not just the ones that win. The system is flawed, and I don’t think enough people are talking about it.”
The Rationale Behind Watt’s Boycott
To understand Watt’s decision, it’s important to examine his perspective on the broader issues surrounding college athletics. Over the years, Watt has been vocal about his concerns with the NCAA, particularly when it comes to the treatment of student-athletes and the lack of compensation for their labor. While the NCAA Tournament is celebrated for its pageantry and excitement, it is also criticized for the commercialization of college sports, where billions of dollars are generated through television contracts, sponsorships, and ticket sales, while the athletes themselves often see little to no financial benefit.
In his press conference, Watt took aim at the hypocrisy he perceives within the system. “The NCAA makes billions off these kids, and they get little in return,” Watt argued. “The players are the ones putting their bodies on the line, sacrificing their time, and risking their futures, but the people who run this system are the ones who profit. We’ve seen it time and time again—athletes getting exploited for their talent, but not receiving the same opportunities or recognition that the schools and the NCAA get.”
While his stance was largely rooted in his love for Wisconsin and the disappointment of their loss, Watt’s broader critique of the NCAA system could not be ignored. His boycott, he argued, was a form of protest against the commercialization of college sports and the exploitation of athletes. He acknowledged that many of his critics might not understand his position, but he was steadfast in his beliefs.
“I’m not saying that the kids on the court don’t deserve their moment. They do,” Watt said. “But the system needs to change. We’ve seen athletes struggle with mental health, dealing with the pressure of competing at the highest levels, and not getting the resources or support they need. I’m doing this because I want to shine a light on those issues. If I can get people talking about it, maybe we can start to make a difference.”
The Impact on Watt’s Reputation and Public Response
Watt’s decision to boycott sparked intense discussions in the sports world. On one hand, many fans expressed admiration for Watt’s courage in speaking out against the NCAA. They lauded him for using his platform to address larger systemic issues, and some even considered his actions a form of advocacy for the rights of student-athletes.
However, there were also those who questioned the effectiveness of such a boycott. Some saw it as a form of virtue signaling—an emotional response to Wisconsin’s loss rather than a well-thought-out strategy for change. Others felt that Watt’s actions would only serve to alienate him from fans who viewed the NCAA Tournament as a celebration of college sports. “What’s J.J. Watt going to do? Boycott the whole tournament?” one sports commentator quipped. “How is that going to help? It’s just a personal vendetta over one game.”
Despite these criticisms, Watt remained committed to his decision. He continued to post on social media, using the hashtag #BoycottMarchMadness to encourage others to join him in taking a stand. He also reiterated that his boycott wasn’t about hating on the athletes or undermining their accomplishments—it was about creating a conversation around the bigger issues in college sports.
“We need to stop acting like everything is perfect,” Watt wrote in one of his posts. “The system is broken, and we can’t ignore it just because we love the sport. I’m proud of my team and all the athletes who compete, but we can do better for them.”
The Bigger Picture: Athlete Activism and the NCAA
Watt’s boycott is part of a growing trend of athlete activism, where professional athletes use their platforms to advocate for social, political, and economic causes. Over the past decade, we’ve seen athletes from various sports speak out against issues ranging from racial injustice to labor rights. Watt’s decision to speak out against the NCAA’s practices is part of this broader movement, and it raises important questions about the future of college athletics.
While Watt’s boycott may seem extreme, it is also a reflection of a larger shift in how athletes perceive their roles in society. More and more, athletes are recognizing the power they hold and using it to challenge the systems that govern their sports. Whether it’s advocating for better compensation, mental health support, or greater control over their careers, athletes like Watt are pushing back against the status quo.
