Who Are the Top 10 Houston Texans of the Decade?
1. J.J. Watt
(2011-2019): 112 games played, 96 sacks, 479 tackles, 158 TFLs, 54 passes defended, 23 forced fumbles, 15 fumble recoveries, 1 INT, 2 defensive TDs, 3 receiving TDs
If J.J. Watt retired today, he would be a first-ballot Hall of Famer without a doubt. He boasts one of the most impressive resumes in defensive history, including three Defensive Player of the Year awards in his first five seasons and having multiple 20-plus sack seasons.
Watt’s first moment of stardom occurred in the Texans’ first-ever playoff game against the Cincinnati Bengals in his 2011 rookie season. Watt intercepted Andy Dalton’s pass and ran it back for a score, demonstrating the super athletic ability this 6-5, 290-pound monster truly possessed. The following year, he was dubbed “JJ Swat” due to his tremendous ability to time his jumps and bat down passes as a defensive lineman.
His 2014 season doesn’t even sound humanly possible, but he scored five touchdowns as both a turnover machine and a jumbo tight end on offense. Watt’s 80-yard pick-six against the Buffalo Bills sealed the win, his 45-yard scoop and score off Andrew Luck was remarkable, and his three touchdown receptions absolutely should have been enough for him to be named MVP that season.
Off-the-field, Watt has been instrumental in helping to rebuild Houston in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. He helped to raise $37 million in donations for the city and was named Walter Payton Man of the Year for his charitable efforts.
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Unfortunately, injuries have taken a toll on the legendary Texan, but he currently slated to return off of IR for the upcoming playoff game. Watt is not only the best Texan of the decade, he is likely to go down as the best player in the franchise history.