For more than 80 years, prominent athletes have been featured on the front of a Wheaties box, including Michael Jordan, Lebron James, Simone Biles and Muhammad Ali. And now, NFL brothers J.J. and T.J. Watt.
J.J. Watt, a three-time AP Defensive Player of the Year who retired last season after a 12-year career, and his brother T.J. Watt, a linebacker with the Pittsburgh Steelers, are the first brothers to be featured on the cover of the famous orange cereal box, Wheaties said in a news release sent to USA TODAY.
“Built around a uniting love for football, the Watt family is grounded in perseverance, togetherness and a commitment to doing the right thing when it matters most, while serving communities in their lives outside of football,” Kathy Dixon, senior brand experience manager for Wheaties, said in the release. “That’s what being a Wheaties Champion is all about, and one of the many reasons we’re so proud to feature J.J. and T.J. on the cover of this limited-edition box.”
The two athletes are also the first duo to be featured on a box together since 1935.
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‘It is a childhood dream come true,’ Watt brothers say
While playing in the NFL, J.J. founded the Justin James Watt Foundation, which provides after-school opportunities for children to get involved in “athletics in a safe environment,” the news release said.
The brothers also participated in Hurricane Harvey efforts and were involved in the Make-A-Wish foundation.
“It is a childhood dream come true to be on the next Wheaties box,” J.J. and T.J. said in the release. “We hope this box is a reminder for athletes and people everywhere to persevere – on the field and in life – and always champion what you’re passionate about.”
The Wheaties box will also feature their brother Derek on the back.
When will the Watt brother’s Wheaties box be released?
The limited-edition box will be available at major retailers nationwide in July for $6.19, according to the release.
Who was the first athlete to appear on a Wheaties cereal box?
Baseball great Lou Gehrig was the first living person General Mills chose to honor on their cereal box. He made the cut three times in 1934, 1992 and 1999.
Athletes were depicted on the sides or back of the cereal box before 1958.
Olympic pole vaulter Bob Richards was the first athlete to be featured on the front of the box in 1958.
Contributing: Kirby Adams, Louisville Courier Journal
