Houston Texans: Top 30 moments in team history

Nov 1, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) leaves the field after beating the Tennessee Titans 20-6 at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Erich Schlegel-USA TODAY Sports

6. J.J. Watt drafted, becomes a star

With the 11th pick in the 2011 draft, the Houston Texans forever changed their franchise. Wisconsin defensive end J.J. Watt was chosen by the Texans and it didn’t take him long to become the most recognizable star in the NFL.

Watt had a strong rookie year but it was 2012 when people realized what an athletic freak he really is. The second-year player won the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award after recording an incredible 20.5 sacks. What is even more amazing is that J.J. did so from a 3-4 defensive end spot, a position usually charged with run stuffing and freeing things up for the “real playmakers” at outside linebacker.

In 2014 Watt did it again with the Defensive Player of the Year award. He did so with yet another 20.5 sack season, becoming the first ever NFL player with 20 or more sacks in two seasons during their career.

Just how great was Watt in 2014? Despite his team failing to make the playoffs, number 99 was in the conversation for league MVP. How great is he still? After eight games in 2015 Watt is already at 8.5 sacks on the year, which is more than he had at the half way point in 2014 when he had seven after the first eight games. Look out sack record, Watt is coming for you.

Next: Moment in history, number 5