Houston Texans: Greatest all-time players in franchise history

2. DeShaun Watson, Quarterback

The Houston Texans constant search for a franchise quarterback finally ended in 2017 when the used the No. 12 overall pick on DeShaun Watson out of Clemson. For whatever reason, Bill O’Brien tried to keep him on the bench behind Tom Savage, but that lasted roughly 45 minutes.

Watson then led the Texans to a 3-3 record as a rookie while throwing 19 touchdown passes in his first six games. A torn ACL ended his first season far too early, but he has since come back with a vengeance.

Over the past two seasons, Watson has led the Texans to a 21-10 record and made two Pro Bowls. One of the best young gun-slingers in the game, Watson is still improving as a player — a scary prospect for the rest of the AFC Sout.

1. J.J. Watt, Defensive End

J.J. Watt is by far the most popular player in the history of the Texans, and it’s not hard to see why. The former No. 11 overall pick out of Wisconsin has earned three NFL Defensive Player of the Year Awards and was the first player to ever record more than 20 sacks in a single season two separate times.

In addition to his three Player of the Year awards, Watt also earned five trips to the Pro Bowl and was a five-time All-Pro First-Team selection. Still, his best work comes off the field as Watt has constantly proven to be someone the community can count on.

When the Houston area was struck by Hurrican Harvey, Watt helped raise over $37 million for relief funds. That work helped him earn the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award.

There are other stars on this team now and there will be in the future, but it’s going to take a lot to knock J.J. Watt out of the top spot. He was the first global star the Texans franchise had and was the face of the franchise for years, something that’s not easy for a defensive lineman to do.