J.J. Watt

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Watt's legacy with the Texans is built on historic individual achievement and franchise-defining moments. He received the AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award three times in his first five seasons, a feat unmatched in modern history. In 2014, he became the first defensive player in Texans history to score a touchdown from scrimmage, catching a one-yard pass against the Oakland Raiders. That same season, he returned an interception 80 yards for a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills. Watt also took snaps on offense, catching three touchdown passes in 2014. His presence helped the Texans qualify for the playoffs for the first time in franchise history in 2011.

In Their Own Story

The 2012 season saw Watt deliver what is considered one of the best seasons for a defensive player in NFL history. He finished with 69 solo tackles, 20.5 sacks, 16 passes defended, and four forced fumbles. On November 22, 2012, against the Detroit Lions, Watt recorded three sacks, breaking the Texans' single-season sack record previously held by Mario Williams. He finished the season 2.5 sacks shy of Michael Strahan's single-season record. Watt received 49 out of 50 votes for the AP Defensive Player of the Year award, becoming the first Texans player to receive an NFL Player of the Year award. He was the 17th defensive lineman and only the eighth defensive end to receive the award since 1971.

Reader's Guide

Watt's career with the Houston Texans began when he was selected 11th overall in the 2011 NFL draft, the first defensive end taken. He signed a four-year, $11.24 million contract on July 31, 2011. In his rookie season, he started all 16 games and finished with 48 solo tackles and 5.5 sacks. Prior to the 2014 season, Watt agreed to a six-year contract extension worth $100 million, making him the NFL's highest paid non-quarterback based on average yearly salary. He received $30.9 million at signing. Watt's position was primarily defensive end, but he also took snaps on offense, catching three touchdown passes in 2014. He holds the Texans franchise records for sacks and forced fumbles.

Did You Know?

• Watt received the AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award three times in his first five seasons.
• He holds the Texans franchise records for sacks and forced fumbles.
• In 2014, Watt became the first defensive player in Texans history to score a touchdown from scrimmage.
• Watt caught three touchdown passes in the 2014 season.
• He was selected 11th overall in the 2011 NFL draft, the first defensive end taken that year.