J.J. Watt selected as Pro Bowl captain

Nov 17, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) carries a United States flag onto the field as part of Salute to Service month festivities before the game against the Oakland Raiders at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Houston Texans had one of their own named as a Pro Bowl captain on Thursday as defensive end J.J. Watt was selected. Watt is being paired with running back Jamaal Charles (Kansas City Chiefs) as captains of a team.

As for the actual game, it will be played on Sunday, Jan. 26 on NBC at 7 p.m. EDT.

The Ultimate Texans blog reported:

"“The active player captains will help Hall of Famers Jerry Rice and Deion Sanders choose the Pro Bowl teams during the first-ever Pro Bowl Draft on January 21-22. Rice and Sanders will each also be assisted during the draft by one NFL.com fantasy football champion.”"

Though I’m not the biggest fan of the Pro Bowl, I can’t fault the NFL for trying to bring some interest back to this exhibition game. I’ll watch this game with more excitement since it isn’t just the usual NFC vs. AFC game. I hope to see players on the same NFL team face each other on opposite Pro Bowl teams.

That would have to be fun, right?

The other two captains will be quarterback Drew Brees (New Orleans Saints) and Robert Quinn of the St. Louis Rams.

Don’t forget the Pro Bowl Draft is next Tuesday (Jan. 21) and Wednesday (Jan. 22) on the NFL Network at 7-8 p.m. on day one and 7-10 p.m. on day two.