Wisconsin’s own JJ Watt made waves during the Round of 32 matchup by giving a public shoutout to Richie Saunders, showing his appreciation for the young player’s performance on the big stage. Watt, a former NFL superstar and Pewaukee native, has long been a vocal supporter of Wisconsin athletes, and his latest endorsement came as Saunders delivered a standout performance under the tournament spotlight.
As the game unfolded, Saunders made his presence felt with his aggressive scoring, sharp defensive instincts, and high-energy play that kept his team in contention. Whether it was knocking down clutch shots, making hustle plays, or stepping up in crucial moments, the young star’s impact was impossible to ignore. Watt, known for his fiery competitiveness and passion for sports, took to social media to praise Saunders, tweeting: “Love the energy Richie Saunders is bringing right now. Big-time players step up in big-time moments!”
The tweet quickly gained traction, with fans of both Watt and Saunders chiming in. Some joked that Watt’s seal of approval was the ultimate sign of greatness, while others pointed out how the former NFL Defensive Player of the Year always seems to recognize rising talent.
Saunders, who has steadily earned more recognition throughout the season, took Watt’s shoutout in stride, later acknowledging it during a postgame interview. “Man, that’s crazy. JJ Watt is a legend. To have him watching and supporting means a lot,” he said with a smile.
While Watt may be best known for his dominance on the football field, his love for sports—especially Wisconsin athletes—continues to shine through. His shoutout to Saunders not only highlighted the young player’s breakout performance but also reminded fans that great athletes recognize greatness, no matter the sport.
