JJ Watt Takes the Field with Son Koa, 10 Months, as He's Inducted Into Houston Texans' Ring of Honor

JJ Watt enjoyed another special moment on the field with his infant son Koa, the first since he retired

JJ Watt shared one of the biggest honors of his career with his little boy.

On Sunday, Watt, who retired from the NFL after last season, was honored by the Houston Texans with a spot in the team's Ring of Honor during halftime at the team's faceoff against the Pittsburgh Steelers at NRG Stadium.

The stadium erupted into cheers for the iconic defensive end, 34, who held his 10-month-old in his arm. Koa was dressed in a Watt jersey with sound-canceling headphones on as he looked around and took in the sights.

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Related: JJ Watt Cools Down in the Water with His 8-Month-Old Son Koa in Sweet Photo: 'Training Camp 2023'

JJ and wife Kealia Watt caught up with PEOPLE last month, smiling proudly as they explained how Koa is already taking an interest in sports.

“I imagine we'll be coaching in some capacity in the future,” JJ said, adding that his favorite toy this summer has been a soccer ball.

“He loves chasing it around and kicking it,” JJ said.

The Watts said their summer has been full of traveling, often visiting with their siblings so that Koa can spend time with his five cousins. Kealia's sister, Megan Cushing, has three boys, and JJ’s brother Derek Watt has two sons.

“We’ve loved it. We've gotten to travel so much with him,” Kealia said. “It’s been really, really special.”

Earlier this year, the athlete opened up to PEOPLE about fatherhood, sharing how his new role has already made a major impact on his life.

"It's changed me in so many ways," he said of being a dad. "I've said before, it's a love that I never knew I could have, and it just makes you see the world in a different light."

"Your perspective changes, your priorities change, and your marriage changes. I look at my wife in an even more beautiful light now, watching her be a mother to our beautiful son."

The former NFL player announced his retirement from the league in late December, just a few months after his son was born. He told PEOPLE that with all his newfound free time, he's "going to be looking after my own son, so it's going to be very exciting."

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