J. J. Watt: Difference between revisions

Total tackles:	586
Sacks:	114.5
Pass deflections:	70
Forced fumbles:	27
Fumble recoveries:	17
	Stats at Pro Football Reference

J. J. Watt
	Watt with the Houston Texans in 2018
No. 99
Position:	Defensive end
Personal information
Born:	March 22, 1989 (age 35); Pewaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.
Height:	6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)
Weight:	288 lb (131 kg)
Career information
High school:	Pewaukee
College:	Central Michigan (2007); Wisconsin (2008–2010)
NFL draft:	2011 / round: 1 / pick: 11
Career history
	Houston Texans (2011–2020); Arizona Cardinals (2021–2022);
Career highlights and awards
	3× NFL Defensive Player of the Year (2012, 2014, 2015); Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year (2017); 5× First-team All-Pro (2012–2015, 2018); 2× Second-team All-Pro (2014, 2018); 5× Pro Bowl (2012–2015, 2018); 2× NFL sacks leader (2012, 2015); NFL forced fumbles co-leader (2018); NFL 2010s All-Decade Team; Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year (2017); Bert Bell Award (2014); PFWA All-Rookie Team (2011); Houston Texans Ring of Honor; Lott Trophy (2010); First-team All-American (2010); First-team All-Big Ten (2010); NFL record Seasons with 20+ sacks: 2;
Career NFL statistics
Total tackles:
Total tackles:	586
Sacks:	114.5
Pass deflections:	70
Forced fumbles:	27
Fumble recoveries:	17
	Stats at Pro Football Reference

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Justin James Watt (born March 22, 1989) is an American former professional football defensive end who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 12 seasons, primarily with the Houston Texans. He played college football for the Central Michigan Chippewas and Wisconsin Badgers and was selected by the Texans in the first round of the 2011 NFL draft.

Considered to be one of the greatest defensive linemen of all time, Watt received the AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award three times in his first five seasons.^[2] Watt's position was primarily a Defensive end. He also took snaps on offense, catching three touchdown passes during the 2014 season, a season in which he was MVP runner-up. He holds the Texans' franchise records for sacks and forced fumbles. In 2017, Sports Illustrated named Watt its Sportsman of the Year. After retiring in 2022, he joined The NFL Today as a studio analyst. He is the older brother of T. J. Watt and Derek Watt.

Early life

Watt was born in Pewaukee, Wisconsin,^[1] to parents Connie, a building operations vice president, and John, a firefighter.^[3]^[4] Both of J.J.'s younger brothers also went on to play in the NFL.^[5] Derek Watt was a fullback and T. J. Watt plays outside linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Watt played ice hockey from age four to 13^[6] and played for travel or competitive teams that traveled to Canada and Germany. He gave up hockey when weekly games started to conflict with his schedule and for financial reasons.^[7] Watt also played football throughout his childhood and became passionate about the sport while he was in fifth grade.^[6]

Watt attended Pewaukee High School, where he was a four-year letter-winner in football and also lettered in basketball, baseball, and track and field.^[8] He earned the Woodland Conference Player of the Year Award his senior year, and first-team All-State, All-County, All-Area, and All-Conference selections as tight end and defensive end. He was also named the team's MVP.^[9] During his senior year, Watt accumulated a total of 399 receiving yards, 26 catches, and 5 touchdowns.^[10]

Watt followed in his father's footsteps and competed in the shot put during his senior season, earning first-team All-state selection.^[11]^[12] He captured the state title in the shot put at the 2007 WIAA Division II Championship, setting a new school record with a throw of 59 ft, 11.5 in (18.28 meters).^[13]

Regarded as a two-star recruit by both Rivals.com and Scout.com, Watt was ranked among neither the top tight end nor the top defensive end prospects in his class. After official visits to Central Michigan, Colorado, and Minnesota, Watt chose to play at Central Michigan under coach Butch Jones.^[14]

US college sports recruiting information for high school athletes
Name	Hometown	High school / college	Height	Weight	40^‡	Commit date
J. J. Watt Defensive end	Pewaukee, WI	Pewaukee HS	6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)	220 lb (100 kg)	4.70	Jan 30, 2007
J. J. Watt Defensive end	Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A ESPN grade: 63
Overall recruiting rankings: Scout: NR Rivals: NR ESPN: 172 (DE)
Note: In many cases, Scout, Rivals, 247Sports, and ESPN may conflict in their listings of height and weight. In these cases, the average was taken. ESPN grades are on a 100-point scale. Sources: "Central Michigan Football Commitments". Rivals.com. Retrieved May 20, 2014. "2007 Central Michigan Football Commits". Scout.com. Retrieved May 20, 2014. "ESPN". ESPN.com. Retrieved May 20, 2014. "Scout.com Team Recruiting Rankings". Scout.com. Retrieved May 20, 2014. "2007 Team Ranking". Rivals.com. Retrieved May 20, 2014.

College career

Central Michigan

Watt received a scholarship offer from Central Michigan University. He has stated that he was led to believe by Butch Jones that, as a tight end, he would have the opportunity to score touchdowns. At Central Michigan, he played 14 games, compiling 77 receiving yards and 8 receptions.^[15]^[16] Watt's coaches, led by Jones, suggested that he move to offensive tackle, but Watt decided to forgo his starting spot and scholarship to walk-on at the University of Wisconsin, where he played as a defensive end.^[17]

Wisconsin

At the University of Wisconsin–Madison, Watt redshirted the 2008 season and was named Wisconsin's Scout Team Player of the Year.^[18] In 2009, he played in 13 games as a defensive end. In a game against Hawaii on December 5, 2009, Watt had a career-high of two sacks, three tackles for loss, six tackles, and one quarterback hurry.^[19] Watt finished the season with 32 solo tackles, 12 assisted tackles, four and a half sacks, 15.5 tackles for loss, and five passes defended.^[20] He also earned his first letter. On November 20, 2010, against Michigan, he recorded his first collegiate interception.^[21] Overall, in the 2010 season, Watt played in 13 games and led the team in tackles for loss, quarterback hurries, blocked kicks, and forced fumbles. He finished the season with 42 solo tackles, 20 assisted tackles, 21 tackles for loss, seven sacks, one interception for 15 yards, nine passes defended, and three fumbles forced.^[22] He earned the Ronnie Lott Trophy in 2010, voted AP and Sports Illustrated second-team All-American, All-Big Ten first-team, academic All-Big Ten, and was voted the team's MVP.^[9]^[23]

College statistics

Central Michigan Chippewas
Season	Class	Pos	GP	Receiving				Rushing				Scrimmage
Season	Class	Pos	GP	Rec	Yds	Avg	TD	Att	Yds	Avg	TD	Plays	Yds	Avg	TD
2007	FR	TE	14	8	77	9.6	0	0	0	0.0	0	8	77	9.6	0

Wisconsin Badgers
Season	Class	Pos	GP	Tackles					Interceptions					Fumbles
Season	Class	Pos	GP	Solo	Ast	Cmb	TfL	Sck	Int	Yds	Avg	TD	PD	FR	Yds	TD	FF
2009	SO	DE	13	32	12	44	15.5	4.5	0	0	0.0	0	5	0	0	0	0
2010	JR	DE	13	42	20	62	21.0	7.0	1	15	15.0	0	9	0	0	0	0
Career			26	74	32	106	36.5	11.5	1	15	15.0	0	14	0	0	0	0

Professional career

Pre-draft

Pre-draft measurables
Height	Weight	Arm length	Hand span	40-yard dash	10-yard split	20-yard split	20-yard shuttle	Three-cone drill	Vertical jump	Broad jump	Bench press	Wonderlic
6 ft 5+3⁄8 in (1.97 m)	290 lb (132 kg)	34 in (0.86 m)	11+1⁄8 in (0.28 m)	4.84 s	1.64 s	2.71 s	4.21 s	6.88 s	37 in (0.94 m)	10 ft 0 in (3.05 m)	34 reps	31^[24]
All values are from NFL Scouting Combine^[25]^[26]

Watt skipped his senior season, entering the 2011 NFL draft.^[27] At the 2011 NFL Combine, he was a top performer in all combine categories except the 40-yard dash.^[25]

Houston Texans

2011

On April 28, 2011, he was the first defensive end selected in the first round when the Houston Texans picked him as the 11th overall pick.^[28] The Texans signed Watt to a four-year, $11.24 million contract on July 31, 2011.^[29]^[30]

Watt during his sophomore season in 2012, when he won NFL Defensive Player of the Year

In the 2011 season, Watt started all 16 games. In the season opener against the Indianapolis Colts, he had five tackles and a fumble recovery in his NFL debut.^[31] On November 27, against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Watt had his first multi-sack game with 2.0 in the 20–13 victory.^[32] Watt finished his rookie year with 48 solo tackles, eight assisted tackles, and 5.5 sacks. The Texans qualified for the playoffs for the first time in franchise history.^[33]^[34]

In the playoffs, Watt recorded 11 solo tackles, three assisted tackles, an interception returned for a touchdown, one pass defended, and 3.5 sacks in two games against the Cincinnati Bengals in the Wild Card Round and the Baltimore Ravens in the Divisional Round.^[35]^[36] Watt was named Texans Team Rookie of the Year, USA Today All-Joe Team, and Pro-Football Weekly/PFWA All-Rookie Team.^[37]^[38]

2012

In 2012, Watt is considered to have had one of the best seasons for a defensive player in NFL history.^[39]^[40] He finished the season with 69 solo tackles, 12 assisted tackles, 20.5 sacks, 16 passes defended, four forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries.^[41] He earned AFC Defensive Player of the Week for his Week 2 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.^[42] He was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Month in both September and December.^[43] On November 22, 2012, in a game against the Detroit Lions, Watt recorded three sacks, to give him a total of 14.5, breaking the Texans' record for sacks in a season, which was previously held by Mario Williams.^[44]^[45] On December 16, against the Indianapolis Colts, Watt recorded three sacks and ten total tackles in a 29–17 victory.^[46] The Texans made the playoffs again in 2012, and Watt recorded six solo tackles, three assisted tackles, two passes defended, and two sacks in two games.^[47]^[48]^[49]^[50] Watt finished the season 2.5 sacks shy of Michael Strahan's single-season record for sacks, set in 2001.^[51] Watt was named to the 2013 NFL Pro-Bowl Team on December 26, 2012.^[52] Watt also was named Texans Team Most Valuable Player, USA Football Fundamentals Team, PFW First-team All-Pro, Pro Football Weekly/PFWA Most Valuable Player, Sporting News Defensive Player of the Year, NFL 101 AFC Defensive Player of the Year, AP First-team All-Pro, and the AP Defensive Player of the Year.^[37]^[53]^[54]^[55] Watt received 49 out of 50 votes for the Defensive Player of the Year award.^[56] He is the first Texans player to receive an NFL Player of the Year award.^[57]^[58] Watt was the 17th defensive lineman and only the eighth defensive end to receive the award since 1971.^[59] Watt made the highest debut on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2012, coming in at number five.^[60]

2013

Though Watt had a strong season, the Texans struggled as a whole in the 2013 season.^[61] In Week 2, against the Tennessee Titans, he had his first two sacks of the season in a 30–24 win.^[62] From Weeks 7–12, he recorded at least one sack in each game.^[63]^[64]^[65]^[66]^[67] Overall, in the 2013 season, Watt recorded 65 solo tackles, 15 assisted tackles, seven passes defended, 10.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries.^[37]^[68] The Texans, however, had a losing season and finished with a 2–14 record.^[69] Watt was named to the 2014 NFL Pro Bowl and earned First Team All-Pro honors.^[70]^[71]

2014

Prior to the start of the 2014 season, the Texans and Watt agreed to a six-year contract extension, worth $100 million.^[72] He received $30.9 million at signing and was expected to receive $21 million at the start of the 2016 season if he was on the roster. This contract made him the NFL's highest paid non-quarterback, based on average yearly salary.^[73]

In a game against the Oakland Raiders, on September 14, Watt became the first defensive player in Texans history to score a touchdown from scrimmage. He scored the touchdown on a one-yard catch after coming into the game as a tight end.^[74]^[75] He scored his second touchdown of the season on September 28, against the Buffalo Bills. Watt picked off a pass from Buffalo's EJ Manuel that was intended for Fred Jackson, and returned it 80 yards for a touchdown.^[76] With this touchdown, Watt became tied at sixth for the longest interception return by a defensive lineman. Watt's touchdown was the fourth longest interception return in Houston Texans history.^[77] During the game, Watt hit Manuel nine times, but was flagged twice for roughing the passer. Watt was fined $16,537 for one of the incidents.^[78] In a game against the Bills, he earned AFC Defensive Player of the Week.^[79] Watt was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Month for September.^[80]

In a Week 5 Thursday night game against the Indianapolis Colts, Watt recorded two sacks on Andrew Luck, one of which was a strip-sack in the fourth quarter that he recovered and returned 45 yards for a touchdown.^[81]^[82] Despite Watt's performance, the Texans lost 33–28.^[83]

For his fourth touchdown of the season, Watt caught a two-yard pass from Texans quarterback, Ryan Mallett, for Mallett's first NFL touchdown pass. Watt recorded four solo tackles, an assisted tackle, a sack, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery in the same game, which was on November 16, against the Cleveland Browns.^[84]^[85] He earned AFC Defensive Player of the Week for his game against the Browns.^[86]

Watt scored his fifth touchdown on November 30, 2014, catching a one-yard pass from Texans quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick against the Tennessee Titans.^[87] With this reception, Watt became the first defensive lineman to have scored at least five touchdowns in a season since 1944.^[88]

In Week 16, Watt recorded his 54th sack as a Texan on Joe Flacco in a 25–13 win against the Baltimore Ravens.^[89] With that sack, he surpassed Mario Williams as the franchise leader in sacks. In Week 17, against the Jacksonville Jaguars, he had three sacks on Blake Bortles, one of which was his first career safety which also gave him 20.5 sacks on the season, becoming the only player in NFL history to have multiple 20-sack seasons.^[90]^[91] Watt earned AFC Defensive Player of the Month for December.^[92] Watt finished the season with a career-high five fumble recoveries and scored five total touchdowns (three receiving touchdowns, one interception return touchdown, and one fumble recovery for a touchdown).^[93]

For his outstanding season, Watt was unanimously named to the 2014 All-Pro First Team as a defensive end and named to the All-Pro second team as a defensive tackle.^[94] Watt was named to the 2015 Pro Bowl, where Cris Carter, team captain of Team Carter, selected Watt to be his captain on defense.^[95] He unanimously won the Defensive Player of the Year award, one of a few players to win the award multiple times, and became the first defensive player since James Harrison in 2008 to get votes for the MVP award, receiving 13, which was also good enough for second place in the MVP voting behind Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who won the award.^[96]^[97] After the season, Watt was named to the top spot in the NFL Top 100 Players of 2015.^[98]

2015

Despite battling a groin injury and a fractured left hand, Watt started all 16 games in 2015 making 76 tackles, an NFL-leading 17.5 sacks, eight passes defended, three forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery. In Week 11, against the New York Jets, he earned AFC Defensive Player of the Week.^[99] He earned AFC Defensive Player of the Month for November.^[100] In the regular season finale, against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Watt had a season-high three sacks to go along with eight total tackles.^[101] For his game against Jacksonville, he earned AFC Defensive Player of the Week.^[102] He was named to the 2015 Pro Bowl, which was his fourth consecutive appearance, and also received his third Defensive Player of the Year award, the only player aside from Lawrence Taylor and Aaron Donald to do so.^[103]^[104] With the Texans finishing the season 9–7, the team clinched an AFC South division title but were shut out 30–0 by the Kansas City Chiefs in the Wild Card Round.^[105]^[106]^[107] On January 12, 2016, Watt underwent groin surgery for a sports hernia.^[108] This forced Watt to withdraw from the 2016 Pro Bowl. He earned his fourth straight first-team All-Pro nomination.^[109] He was ranked as the top defensive lineman and the third-best player by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2016.^[110]

2016

On July 21, 2016, Watt underwent back surgery for a herniated disc. He began training camp on the PUP list,^[111] but returned in Week 1 to start the season in a victory over the Chicago Bears.^[112]^[113] In Week 2, he had 1.5 sacks and five total tackles against the Kansas City Chiefs.^[114] On September 22, in a game against the New England Patriots, Watt recorded two assisted tackles in his final action of the season.^[115] On September 28, 2016, he was placed on injured reserve.^[116] The following day, he underwent back surgery again, and was officially ruled out for the rest of the season after playing three games and recording 1.5 sacks.^[117] Even though Watt played in only three games, he was ranked 35th on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2017.^[118]

2017

Watt returned from his injury to play in the season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars.^[119] During Week 5 against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday Night Football, Watt left the game after an apparent leg injury. It was later revealed that he suffered a tibial plateau fracture in his left leg.^[120] He underwent surgery the next day and was ruled out the remainder of the season.^[121] In only five games, Watt finished with 11 tackles and two passes defended.^[122]

During the 2017 season, Watt raised upwards of $40 million for relief and recovery efforts for the Houston area after Hurricane Harvey.^[123] The entire sum was raised through an online drive after he donated $100,000 of his own money as the starting base. Watt commented that this season "was always about more than football."^[124] He was co-named Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year along with Jose Altuve of the Houston Astros for 2017 for their humanitarian and leadership efforts.^[125] Watt was also named Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year.^[126] Despite his limited action, he was ranked 84th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2018.^[127]

2018

Watt returned from his injury in time for the season opener against the New England Patriots.^[128] After being held without a sack in the first two weeks, he collected three sacks and eight combined tackles in the Week 3 27–22 defeat against the New York Giants, his first sacks since Week 2 of 2016.^[129] He followed that up with two sacks the following week in the OT win against the Indianapolis Colts. He was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Month for the month of September after recording five sacks, 20 tackles, and four forced fumbles.^[130] In Week 12, Watt recorded nine tackles, 1.5 sacks, and a forced fumble in a 34–17 win over the Tennessee Titans, earning him AFC Defensive Player of the Week.^[131] After only recording 1.5 sacks in his previous two injury-plagued seasons, Watt finished the season with 16 sacks, second in the league behind Aaron Donald, and was named a First-team All-Pro for the fifth time in his career.^[132] He was named to his fifth Pro Bowl for his 2018 season.^[133] Watt became the second player to record four seasons with at least 15 sacks since the sack became an official statistic in 1982 (Reggie White had five such seasons).^[132] He was ranked 12th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2019.^[134]

2019

In the season-opener against the New Orleans Saints, Watt recorded no tackles and no quarterback hits in the narrow 30–28 loss. This was the first time in 105 career games that he was held to these numbers.^[135]^[136] Two weeks later against the Los Angeles Chargers, Watt sacked Philip Rivers twice in the 27–20 road victory.^[137] During Week 8 against the Oakland Raiders, Watt suffered a season-ending torn pectoral; the Texans went on to win 27–24.^[138] He was placed on injured reserve three days later.^[139]

Watt was designated for return from injured reserve on December 24 and began practicing with the team again.^[140] He was activated on December 31, 2019, prior to the team's Wild Card Round game against the Buffalo Bills. During the game, Watt sacked Josh Allen once during the 22–19 overtime win. This sack forced the Bills, who were up 13–0 at the time, to settle for a field goal rather than a touchdown, allowing the Texans to get back in the game and eventually win it in overtime.^[141] He was ranked 45th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2020.^[142] He was named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame All-Decade Team for the 2010s.^[143]

2020

In Week 2 against the Baltimore Ravens, Watt recorded his first two sacks of the season on Lamar Jackson during the 16–33 loss.^[144] In Week 6 against the Tennessee Titans, Watt recorded his 99th career sack on Ryan Tannehill, a strip sack that was recovered by the Texans, during the 42–36 overtime loss.^[145] In Week 9 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Watt recorded his 100th career sack on rookie quarterback Jake Luton during the 27–25 win.^[146] He became the fifth-fastest player to reach the milestone.^[147] In Week 12, on Thanksgiving against the Detroit Lions, Watt intercepted a pass thrown by Matthew Stafford and returned it for a 19-yard touchdown during the 41–25 win. It was Watt's third career pick-six and his first touchdown since 2014.^[148] In Week 13 against the Indianapolis Colts, Watt recorded a sack on Philip Rivers during the 26–20 loss. It would ultimately turn out to be Watt's final sack in a Texans uniform.^[149]

On February 12, 2021, Watt requested and was granted his release from the Texans.^[150] He was ranked 66th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2021.^[151]

Houston Texans Ring of Honor

On June 12, 2023, the Houston Texans announced that Watt will be inducted into the Houston Texans Ring of Honor on Sunday, October 1, 2023, during the Texans game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.^[152]

Arizona Cardinals

2021

On March 1, 2021, Watt signed a two-year, $28 million contract with the Arizona Cardinals, with $23 million guaranteed.^[153]^[154] Although #99 was retired by the Cardinals in honor of Marshall Goldberg, Goldberg's daughter Ellen gave Watt permission to wear it.^[155] In Week 7 against his former team, Watt suffered a shoulder injury in the 2nd quarter, but remained in the game. On October 27, it was revealed Watt would need season-ending shoulder surgery.^[156] He was placed on injured reserve on November 6, 2021.^[157] He was activated on January 17, 2022, for the Cardinals' Wild Card Round loss to the Los Angeles Rams.^[158]

2022

Despite experiencing atrial fibrillation on September 28, 2022, and having his heart shocked back in rhythm in a planned procedure the next day, Watt committed to play in Week 4.^[159]^[160] Watt announced on December 27 that he would retire at the end of the season.^[161] In his final game against the San Francisco 49ers, Watt recorded two sacks in the Cardinals' loss.^[162]

Watt finished his final season with 39 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks, and one forced fumble in 16 games played.^[163]

Personal life

Watt played ice hockey from age four until he was 13 years old, traveling as far as Canada and Germany for tournaments. He said that he played "primarily as a center and was a goal scorer."^[164] Because of the financial cost of the sport and making a choice between hockey and football, Watt stopped playing hockey to focus on football. Watt has joked that he "may or may not" use skating as part of his offseason training.^[165]

While an undergraduate at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Watt delivered pizzas for a Pewaukee Pizza Hut.^[166]

On July 22, 2015, Watt was named the vice-president of Power Relations for Reliant. Reliant is a retail electric provider in Texas, also a subsidiary of NRG Energy Inc.^[167]

On February 15, 2018, Baylor College of Medicine announced that Watt would receive an honorary degree from their medical school.^[168] On May 29, 2018, he received the degree of Doctor of Humanities in Medicine.^[169]

Watt is the older brother of former fullback Derek Watt and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T. J. Watt, both of whom were teammates in Pittsburgh from 2020 to 2022.^[170]

Since 2016, Watt has been in a relationship with now former professional soccer player Kealia Ohai. In 2019, they became engaged.^[171]^[172]^[173] Watt and Ohai were married on February 15, 2020, in the Bahamas.^[174] In October 2022, the couple had a son.^[175]

Watt was named the Grand Marshal of the 2019 Daytona 500.^[176]^[177] On February 1, 2020, Watt hosted Saturday Night Live.^[178]

In 2020, Watt and his brothers began hosting the Fox game show Ultimate Tag.^[179]

Watt is a fan of Chelsea F.C.,^[180] but on May 1, 2023, he and his wife were announced as new minority investors in Burnley F.C., which earned promotion from the EFL Championship to the Premier League for the 2023–24 season.^[181]

Health

On October 2, 2022, Watt tweeted he had gone into atrial fibrillation on September 28, 2022, and had to have his heart shocked back in rhythm on September 29, 2022. He further stated that information was about to be leaked.^[160]^[159]

Philanthropy

Watt is the president and founder of the Justin J. Watt Foundation, a charity organization that provides after-school opportunities for children in various communities, for them to get involved in athletics in a safe environment.^[182]^[183] The foundation's motto, "Dream Big, Work Hard" is sold on wristbands and T-shirts. Since this foundation was launched in 2010, Watt has raised over $1 million.^[183] While most of the schools that benefit from the fundraising are in Texas and Wisconsin, schools in Alabama, Illinois, and California have also received donations. Watt's mother Connie is the vice president of the organization. Watt and the J. J. Watt Foundation host a Charity Classic, Run/Walk, Golf Outing, and Tailgate annually.^[184] The Charity Classic is a softball game held at Constellation Field, in Sugar Land, Texas, in which Texans players participate in a game, and Home Run Derby to raise money for the foundation.^[185] The inaugural Charity Classic game was in 2013, and the 2014 Charity Classic raised over $436,433 towards his foundation.^[186] On August 26, 2014, Watt received the Texans Spirit of the Bull Community Award.^[187] On November 14, 2014, Watt was nominated for the NFL's Salute to Service Award that honors either a coach, player, or owner for their efforts in supporting the country's servicemen and women.^[188] Due to the extremely good turnout in 2014, the annual Charity Classic has been moved to Minute Maid Park, home of the Houston Astros. The 2015 event raised over $640,000. For the 2017 game, Watt invited Arnold Schwarzenegger and swimmer Simone Manuel, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and native of Houston.^[189]

Watt is also known for his interactions with children. On July 2, 2011, the Berry family was traveling home from a vacation in Colorado Springs. The parents, Joshua and Robin Berry, were killed in a head-on collision, and their two sons, Peter and Aaron, were left handicapped. Their daughter Willa suffered minor injuries. Watt met the children at a fundraiser and grew close to them. He played wheelchair basketball with them and mimed rolling a wheelchair after sacking a quarterback in a 2012 game. The mime was an agreed-upon signal between the Berry children and Watt as a post-sack celebration.^[190]

Following the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in 2012, Watt found out that some of the affected families were in the Houston area. He invited them out on the field to hang out and throw the football. He then proceeded to give them signed merchandise that he had worn in previous games.^[191] In October 2015, he dressed up as Batman to surprise kids at the Texas Children's Hospital for a Halloween party.^[192]

He also raised over $37 million ($100,000 of which he personally donated) to help Houston recover from Hurricane Harvey, surpassing his initial goal of $200,000.^[193]

After the 2018 Santa Fe High School shooting that left eight students and two teachers dead, Watt offered to pay for the funerals of the deceased.^[194]

Watt covered the funeral costs for the victims of the Waukesha Christmas parade attack, which left six people dead.^[195]

NFL career statistics

Legend
	NFL Defensive Player of the Year
	Led the league
	NFL record
Bold	Career high

Regular season

Year	Team	Games		Tackles					Fumbles				Interceptions						Other		Receiving
Year	Team	GP	GS	Cmb	Solo	Ast	Sck	TFL	FF	FR	Yds	TD	Int	Yds	Avg	Lng	TD	PD	Sfty	Blk	Tgts	Rec	Yds	Avg	Lng	TD
2011	HOU	16	16	56	49	7	5.5	13	0	2	2	0	—	—	—	—	—	4	—	1	—	—	—	—	—	—
2012	HOU	16	16	81	69	12	20.5	39	4	2	7	0	—	—	—	—	—	16	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2013	HOU	16	16	80	65	15	10.5	22	4	2	0	0	—	—	—	—	—	7	—	2	—	—	—	—	—	—
2014	HOU	16	16	78	59	19	20.5	29	4	5	59	1	1	80	80.0	80	1	10	1	1	3	3	4	1.3	2	3
2015	HOU	16	16	76	57	19	17.5	29	3	1	0	0	—	—	—	—	—	8	—	—	1	0	0	0.0	0	0
2016	HOU	3	3	8	1	7	1.5	1	0	1	0	0	—	—	—	—	—	0	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2017	HOU	5	5	15	11	4	0.0	3	0	0	0	0	—	—	—	—	—	2	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2018	HOU	16	16	61	47	14	16.0	18	7	0	0	0	—	—	—	—	—	4	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2019	HOU	8	8	24	15	9	4.0	4	1	2	0	0	—	—	—	—	—	3	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2020	HOU	16	16	52	36	16	5.0	14	2	1	0	0	1	19	19.0	19	1	7	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2021	ARI	7	7	16	10	6	1.0	5	1	0	0	0	—	—	—	—	—	2	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2022	ARI	16	16	39	30	9	12.5	18	1	1	0	0	—	—	—	—	—	7	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Career		151	151	586	449	137	114.5	195	27	17	68	1	2	99	49.5	80	2	70	1	4	4	3	4	1.3	2	3

Postseason

Year	Team	Games		Tackles					Fumbles				Interceptions
Year	Team	GP	GS	Cmb	Solo	Ast	Sck	TFL	FF	FR	Yds	TD	Int	Yds	Avg	Lng	TD	PD
2011	HOU	2	2	14	11	3	3.5	4	—	—	—	—	1	29	29.0	29	1	1
2012	HOU	2	2	9	6	3	1.5	3	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	2
2015	HOU	1	1	1	0	1	0.0	0	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	0
2016	HOU	0	0	did not play due to injury
2018	HOU	1	1	2	2	0	0.0	1	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	2
2019	HOU	2	0	2	1	1	1.0	1	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	1
2021	ARI	1	0	3	1	2	0.0	1	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	0
Career		9	6	31	21	10	6.0	10	0	0	0	0	1	29	29.0	29	1	6

Awards and highlights

NFL

5× Pro Bowl (2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2018)
5× First-team All-Pro (2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2018)
3× Associated Press NFL Defensive Player of the Year (2012, 2014, 2015)
3× Pro Football Writers Association NFL Defensive Player of the Year (2012, 2014, 2015)
3× Sporting News Defensive Player of the Year (2012, 2014, 2015)
3× Pro Football Focus Defensive Player of the Year (2012, 2013, 2014)
3× Pro Football Focus Best Player of the Year (2012, 2013, 2014)
4× Kansas City Committee of 101 AFC Defensive Player of the Year (2012, 2014, 2015, 2018)
2× NFL sacks leader (2012, 2015)
AP NFL MVP runner-up (2014)
Bert Bell Award (2014)^[196]
Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year (2017)
Pro Bowl Defensive MVP (2014)
Ranked No. 5 in the Top 100 Players of 2013
Ranked No. 12 in the Top 100 Players of 2014
Ranked No. 1 in the Top 100 Players of 2015
Ranked No. 3 in the Top 100 Players of 2016
Ranked No. 35 in the Top 100 Players of 2017
Ranked No. 84 in the Top 100 Players of 2018
Ranked No. 12 in the Top 100 Players of 2019
Ranked No. 45 in the Top 100 Players of 2020
Only player with multiple 20-sack seasons (2012, 2014)^[197]
5× PFWA All-NFL Team (2012–2015, 2018)
6× AFC Defensive Player of the Month (Sep. 2012, Dec. 2012, Sep. 2014, Dec. 2014, Nov. 2015, Sep. 2018)^[198]

Houston Texans franchise records

Career sacks (101.0)
Career forced (25) and recovered fumbles (16)

College

Lott Trophy (2010)^[199]
Big Ten champion (2010)
First-team All-American, PFW (2010)
First-team All-Big Ten (2010)
3× Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week (2009–2010)
Wisconsin Team Co-MVP (2010)

Filmography

Film and television appearances
Year	Title	Role	Notes
2014	The League^[200]	Himself	Multiple appearances
2015	New Girl^[201]	Himself	Episode: "The Right Thing"
2016	Bad Moms^[202]	Coach Craig	Debut movie appearance
2016	CMT Music Awards^[203]	Himself/co-host	Alongside Erin Andrews
2020	Saturday Night Live^[204]	Himself/host	"J.J. Watt and Luke Combs" February 1
2020	Ultimate Tag^[205]	Himself/host	With Derek and T.J. Watt

Notes and References

^ Selected as a defensive end
^ Selected as an interior lineman

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External links

Career statistics from NFL.com · ESPN · Yahoo Sports · Pro Football Reference
Collegiate statistics at Sports Reference
Wisconsin Badgers bio
J. J. Watt Foundation

[2] Selected as a defensive end

[3] Selected as an interior lineman

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@@ Line 6: / Line 6: @@
 | name         = J. J. Watt
 | image        = J.J. Watt 2018—2.JPG
-| caption      = Watt with the Texans in 2018
+| caption      = Watt with the Houston Texans in 2018
 | current_team =
 | number       = 99
@@ Line 28: / Line 28: @@
 * [[Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year]] (2017)
 * 5× First-team [[All-Pro]] ([[2012 All-Pro Team|2012]]–[[2015 All-Pro Team|2015]], [[2018 All-Pro Team|2018]])
-* 2× Second-team All-Pro ([[2014 All-Pro Team|2014]]{{efn-la|Selected as a defensive tackle}}, [[2018 All-Pro Team|2018]]{{efn-la|Selected as an interior lineman}})
+* 2× Second-team All-Pro ([[2014 All-Pro Team|2014]]{{efn-la|Selected as a defensive end}}, [[2018 All-Pro Team|2018]]{{efn-la|Selected as an interior lineman}})
 * 5× [[Pro Bowl]] ([[2013 Pro Bowl|2012]]–[[2016 Pro Bowl|2015]], [[2019 Pro Bowl|2018]])
 * 2× [[List of National Football League season sacks leaders|NFL sacks leader]] (2012, 2015)
@@ Line 55: / Line 55: @@
 }}
-'''Justin James Watt''' (born March 22, 1989) is an American former [[American football|football]] [[defensive end]] who played in the [[National Football League]] (NFL) for 12 seasons, primarily with the [[Houston Texans]]. He played [[college football]] at [[Central Michigan Chippewas football|Central Michigan]] and [[Wisconsin Badgers football|Wisconsin]] and was selected by the Texans in the first round of the [[2011 NFL draft]].
+'''Justin James Watt''' (born March 22, 1989) is an American former professional [[American football|football]] [[defensive end]] who played in the [[National Football League]] (NFL) for 12 seasons, primarily with the [[Houston Texans]]. He played [[college football]] for the [[Central Michigan Chippewas football|Central Michigan Chippewas]] and [[Wisconsin Badgers football|Wisconsin Badgers]] and was selected by the Texans in the first round of the [[2011 NFL draft]].
-Considered to be one of the greatest defensive linemen of all time, Watt received the [[AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award]] three times in his first five seasons.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rosenthal |first=Gregg |date=January 31, 2015 |title=J.J. Watt wins Defensive Player of the Year award |url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000466459/article/jj-watt-wins-defensive-player-of-the-year-award |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220109081754/https://www.nfl.com/news/j-j-watt-wins-defensive-player-of-the-year-award-0ap3000000466459 |archive-date=January 9, 2022 |access-date=February 19, 2015 |website=NFL.com}}</ref> Although primarily a defensive end, he occasionally shifted to [[defensive tackle]]. He also took snaps on offense, catching three touchdown passes during the 2014 season, a season in which he was MVP runner-up. He holds the Texans' franchise records for sacks and forced fumbles. In 2017, ''[[Sports Illustrated]]'' named Watt its [[Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year|Sportsman of the Year]].  After retiring in 2023, he joined ''[[The NFL Today]]'' as a studio analyst. He is the older brother of [[T. J. Watt]] and [[Derek Watt]].
+Considered to be one of the greatest defensive linemen of all time, Watt received the [[AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award]] three times in his first five seasons.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rosenthal |first=Gregg |date=January 31, 2015 |title=J.J. Watt wins Defensive Player of the Year award |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/j-j-watt-wins-defensive-player-of-the-year-award-0ap3000000466459 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220109081754/https://www.nfl.com/news/j-j-watt-wins-defensive-player-of-the-year-award-0ap3000000466459 |archive-date=January 9, 2022 |access-date=February 19, 2015 |website=NFL.com}}</ref> Watt's  position was primarily a [[Defensive end]]. He also took snaps on offense, catching three touchdown passes during the 2014 season, a season in which he was MVP runner-up. He holds the Texans' franchise records for sacks and forced fumbles. In 2017, ''[[Sports Illustrated]]'' named Watt its [[Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year|Sportsman of the Year]].  After retiring in 2022, he joined ''[[The NFL Today]]'' as a studio analyst. He is the older brother of [[T. J. Watt]] and [[Derek Watt]].
 ==Early life==
-Watt was born in [[Pewaukee, Wisconsin]],<ref name="about_jj" /> to parents Connie, a building operations vice president, and John, a firefighter.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-08-10 |title=Watt trains as a firefighter with his dad |url=https://www.khou.com/article/sports/nfl/texans/jj-watt/watt-trains-as-a-firefighter-with-his-dad/285-293345627 |access-date=2024-06-02 |website=KHOU.com |language=en-US}}</ref> Both of J.J.'s younger brothers also played in the NFL.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Heyen |first=Billy |date=November 26, 2020 |title=Meet J.J. Watt's brothers: T.J., Derek follow in family's NFL footsteps with Steelers |url=https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/watt-brothers-jj-tj-derek-nfl-family/2kmqzl2aqtw819r446ckrearo |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211117125337/https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/watt-brothers-jj-tj-derek-nfl-family/2kmqzl2aqtw819r446ckrearo |archive-date=November 17, 2021 |access-date=August 13, 2022 |website=www.sportingnews.com |language=en}}</ref> [[Derek Watt]] was a [[Fullback (gridiron football)|fullback]] and [[T. J. Watt]] plays [[outside linebacker]] for the [[Pittsburgh Steelers]]. Watt played [[ice hockey]] from age four to 13<ref name="jj2">{{Cite web |last=Schumacher |first=Ashley |date=August 24, 2014 |title=My Three Sons: Badger Mom Proud of Watt Brothers On, Off Field |url=https://www.uwalumni.com/news/badger-mom-connie-watt/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191106152127/https://www.uwalumni.com/news/badger-mom-connie-watt/ |archive-date=November 6, 2019 |access-date=December 11, 2019 |website=UW Alumni}}</ref> and played for travel or competitive teams that traveled to [[Canada]] and [[Germany]]. He gave up hockey when weekly games started to conflict with his schedule and for financial reasons.<ref name="jj3">{{Cite web |last=Pinchevsky |first=Tal |date=September 5, 2013 |title=NFL star J.J. Watt maintains love for hockey |url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=681464 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130907020041/http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=681464 |archive-date=September 7, 2013 |access-date=November 29, 2014 |website=NHL.com}}</ref> Watt also played football throughout his childhood and became passionate about the sport while he was in fifth grade.<ref name="jj2" />
+Watt was born in [[Pewaukee, Wisconsin]],<ref name="about_jj" /> to parents Connie, a building operations vice president, and John, a firefighter.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 2, 2017 |title=Watt: 'My mom is literally superwoman' |url=https://www.steelers.com/news/watt-my-mom-is-literally-superwoman-19688906 |access-date=2024-06-02 |website=Steelers.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-08-10 |title=Watt trains as a firefighter with his dad |url=https://www.khou.com/article/sports/nfl/texans/jj-watt/watt-trains-as-a-firefighter-with-his-dad/285-293345627 |access-date=2024-06-02 |website=KHOU.com |language=en-US}}</ref> Both of J.J.'s younger brothers also went on to play in the NFL.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Heyen |first=Billy |date=November 26, 2020 |title=Meet J.J. Watt's brothers: T.J., Derek follow in family's NFL footsteps with Steelers |url=https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/watt-brothers-jj-tj-derek-nfl-family/2kmqzl2aqtw819r446ckrearo |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211117125337/https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/watt-brothers-jj-tj-derek-nfl-family/2kmqzl2aqtw819r446ckrearo |archive-date=November 17, 2021 |access-date=August 13, 2022 |website=Sporting News |language=en}}</ref> [[Derek Watt]] was a [[Fullback (gridiron football)|fullback]] and [[T. J. Watt]] plays [[outside linebacker]] for the [[Pittsburgh Steelers]]. Watt played [[ice hockey]] from age four to 13<ref name="jj2">{{Cite web |last=Schumacher |first=Ashley |date=August 24, 2014 |title=My Three Sons: Badger Mom Proud of Watt Brothers On, Off Field |url=https://www.uwalumni.com/news/badger-mom-connie-watt/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191106152127/https://www.uwalumni.com/news/badger-mom-connie-watt/ |archive-date=November 6, 2019 |access-date=December 11, 2019 |website=UW Alumni}}</ref> and played for travel or competitive teams that traveled to [[Canada]] and [[Germany]]. He gave up hockey when weekly games started to conflict with his schedule and for financial reasons.<ref name="jj3">{{Cite web |last=Pinchevsky |first=Tal |date=September 5, 2013 |title=NFL star J.J. Watt maintains love for hockey |url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=681464 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130907020041/http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=681464 |archive-date=September 7, 2013 |access-date=November 29, 2014 |website=NHL.com}}</ref> Watt also played football throughout his childhood and became passionate about the sport while he was in fifth grade.<ref name="jj2" />
 Watt attended [[Pewaukee High School]], where he was a four-year letter-winner in [[high school football|football]] and also lettered in basketball, baseball, and track and field.<ref name="jj4">{{Cite web |date=October 25, 2013 |title=Texans' J.J. Watt has high school jersey retired at Pewaukee (Photos) |url=https://www.maxpreps.com/news/H1uWT5iNy0yfYNw5DN425A/texans-jj-watt-has-high-school-jersey-retired-at-pewaukee-(photos).htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191106152119/https://www.maxpreps.com/news/H1uWT5iNy0yfYNw5DN425A/texans-jj-watt-has-high-school-jersey-retired-at-pewaukee-(photos).htm |archive-date=November 6, 2019 |access-date=December 11, 2019 |website=MaxPreps.com}}</ref> He earned the Woodland Conference Player of the Year Award his senior year, and first-team All-State, All-County, All-Area, and All-Conference selections as [[tight end]] and defensive end. He was also named the team's MVP.<ref name="jj9">{{Cite web |title=J.J. Watt Bio |url=http://www.uwbadgers.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/watt_jj00.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141205172049/http://www.uwbadgers.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/watt_jj00.html |archive-date=December 5, 2014 |access-date=December 11, 2019 |website=UWBadgers.com}}</ref> During his senior year, Watt accumulated a total of 399 receiving yards, 26 catches, and 5 touchdowns.<ref name="jj6">{{Cite web |title=J.j. Watt |url=https://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/jj-watt/oOiTe_TnEeKZ5AAmVebBJg/football/stats.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191211175310/https://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/jj-watt/oOiTe_TnEeKZ5AAmVebBJg/football/stats.htm |archive-date=December 11, 2019 |access-date=December 11, 2019 |website=MaxPreps.com}}</ref>
-Watt followed in his father's footsteps and competed in the shot put during his senior season, earning first-team All-state selection.<ref>{{Cite web |last=King |first=Peter |date=September 4, 2013 |title=J.J. Watt, Supercharged |url=https://www.si.com/2013/09/04/jj-watt-unplugged |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191211175310/https://www.si.com/2013/09/04/jj-watt-unplugged |archive-date=December 11, 2019 |access-date=December 11, 2019 |website=The MMQB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ganguli |first=Tania |date=October 13, 2012 |title=The life and times of J.J. Watt |url=http://blog.chron.com/ultimatetexans/2012/10/the-life-and-times-of-j-j-watt/#7879101=0 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121015022202/http://blog.chron.com/ultimatetexans/2012/10/the-life-and-times-of-j-j-watt/#7879101=0 |archive-date=October 15, 2012 |access-date=December 11, 2019 |website=Ultimate Texans}}</ref> He captured the state title in the [[shot put]] at the 2007 WIAA Division II Championship, setting a new school record with a throw of 59&nbsp;ft, 11.5 in (18.28 meters).<ref>{{Cite web |title=WIAA State Championships Div II – Mens Varsity Shot Put |url=https://www.athletic.net/TrackAndField/meet/30210/results/m/1/shot |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191211175311/https://www.athletic.net/TrackAndField/meet/30210/results/m/1/shot |archive-date=December 11, 2019 |access-date=December 11, 2019 |website=Athletic.net}}</ref>
+Watt followed in his father's footsteps and competed in the shot put during his senior season, earning first-team All-state selection.<ref>{{Cite web |last=King |first=Peter |author-link=Peter King (sportswriter) |date=September 4, 2013 |title=J.J. Watt, Supercharged |url=https://www.si.com/2013/09/04/jj-watt-unplugged |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191211175310/https://www.si.com/2013/09/04/jj-watt-unplugged |archive-date=December 11, 2019 |access-date=December 11, 2019 |website=The MMQB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ganguli |first=Tania |date=October 13, 2012 |title=The life and times of J.J. Watt |url=http://blog.chron.com/ultimatetexans/2012/10/the-life-and-times-of-j-j-watt/#7879101=0 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121015022202/http://blog.chron.com/ultimatetexans/2012/10/the-life-and-times-of-j-j-watt/#7879101=0 |archive-date=October 15, 2012 |access-date=December 11, 2019 |website=Ultimate Texans}}</ref> He captured the state title in the [[shot put]] at the 2007 WIAA Division II Championship, setting a new school record with a throw of 59&nbsp;ft, 11.5 in (18.28 meters).<ref>{{Cite web |title=WIAA State Championships Div II – Mens Varsity Shot Put |url=https://www.athletic.net/TrackAndField/meet/30210/results/m/1/shot |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191211175311/https://www.athletic.net/TrackAndField/meet/30210/results/m/1/shot |archive-date=December 11, 2019 |access-date=December 11, 2019 |website=Athletic.net}}</ref>
 Regarded as a two-star recruit by both ''[[Rivals.com]]'' and ''[[Scout.com]]'', Watt was ranked among neither the top tight end nor the top defensive end prospects in his class. After official visits to [[Central Michigan Chippewas football|Central Michigan]], [[Colorado Buffaloes football|Colorado]], and [[Minnesota Golden Gophers football|Minnesota]], Watt chose to play at Central Michigan under coach [[Butch Jones]].<ref name="jj7">{{Cite web |title=JJ Watt, 2007 Weakside Defensive End |url=https://n.rivals.com/content/prospects/2007/jj-watt-11356 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221008221615/https://n.rivals.com/content/prospects/2007/jj-watt-11356 |archive-date=October 8, 2022 |access-date=October 8, 2022 |website=Rivals.com |language=en-US}}</ref>
@@ Line 103: / Line 103: @@
 ===Central Michigan===
-Watt received a scholarship offer from [[Central Michigan University]]. He has stated that he was led to believe by [[Butch Jones]] that, as a tight end, he would have the opportunity to score touchdowns. At Central Michigan, he played 14 games, compiling 77 receiving yards and 8 receptions.<ref>{{Cite web |title=J.J. Watt Stats |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/jj-watt-1.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141204195236/http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/jj-watt-1.html |archive-date=December 4, 2014 |access-date=December 11, 2019 |website=Sports Reference College Football}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=J.J. Watt 2007 Game Log |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/jj-watt-1/gamelog/2007/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180219090325/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/jj-watt-1/gamelog/2007/ |archive-date=February 19, 2018 |access-date=February 18, 2018 |website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> Watt's coaches, led by Jones, suggested that he move to offensive tackle, but Watt decided to forgo his starting spot and scholarship to walk-on at the University of Wisconsin, where he played as a defensive end.<ref name="jj8">{{Cite web |last=Warber |first=Kyle |date=March 24, 2010 |title=Fire Up Chips Exclusive: JJ Watt sets the record straight |url=http://blog.mlive.com/fireupchips/2010/03/jj_watt_sets_the_record_straig.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141205010547/http://blog.mlive.com/fireupchips/2010/03/jj_watt_sets_the_record_straig.html |archive-date=December 5, 2014 |access-date=November 29, 2014 |website=MLive |publisher=[[Booth Newspapers]]}}</ref>
+Watt received a scholarship offer from [[Central Michigan University]]. He has stated that he was led to believe by [[Butch Jones]] that, as a tight end, he would have the opportunity to score touchdowns. At Central Michigan, he played 14 games, compiling 77 receiving yards and 8 receptions.<ref>{{Cite web |title=J.J. Watt College Stats, School, Draft, Gamelog, Splits |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/jj-watt-1.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141204195236/http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/jj-watt-1.html |archive-date=December 4, 2014 |access-date=2024-06-02 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=J.J. Watt 2007 Game Log |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/jj-watt-1/gamelog/2007/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180219090325/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/jj-watt-1/gamelog/2007/ |archive-date=February 19, 2018 |access-date=February 18, 2018 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Watt's coaches, led by Jones, suggested that he move to offensive tackle, but Watt decided to forgo his starting spot and scholarship to walk-on at the University of Wisconsin, where he played as a defensive end.<ref name="jj8">{{Cite web |last=Warber |first=Kyle |date=March 24, 2010 |title=Fire Up Chips Exclusive: JJ Watt sets the record straight |url=http://blog.mlive.com/fireupchips/2010/03/jj_watt_sets_the_record_straig.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141205010547/http://blog.mlive.com/fireupchips/2010/03/jj_watt_sets_the_record_straig.html |archive-date=December 5, 2014 |access-date=November 29, 2014 |website=MLive |publisher=[[Booth Newspapers]]}}</ref>
 ===Wisconsin===
-At the [[University of Wisconsin–Madison]], Watt [[Redshirt (college sports)|redshirted]] the 2008 season and was named Wisconsin's Scout Team Player of the Year. In 2009, he played in 13 games as a defensive end. In a game against [[2009 Hawaii Warriors football team|Hawaii]] on December 5, 2009, Watt had a career-high of two sacks, three tackles for loss, six tackles, and one quarterback hurry.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wisconsin at Hawaii Box Score, December 5, 2009 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2009-12-05-hawaii.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221008221915/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2009-12-05-hawaii.html |archive-date=October 8, 2022 |access-date=October 8, 2022 |website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com}}</ref> Watt finished the season with 32 solo tackles, 12 assisted tackles, four and a half sacks, 15.5 tackles for loss, and five passes defended.<ref>{{Cite web |title=J.J. Watt 2009 Game Log |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/jj-watt-1/gamelog/2009/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180219090330/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/jj-watt-1/gamelog/2009/ |archive-date=February 19, 2018 |access-date=February 18, 2018 |website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> He also earned his first letter. On November 20, 2010, against [[2010 Michigan Wolverines football|Michigan]], he recorded his first collegiate interception.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wisconsin at Michigan Box Score, November 20, 2010 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2010-11-20-michigan.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180219090320/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2010-11-20-michigan.html |archive-date=February 19, 2018 |access-date=February 18, 2018 |website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> Overall, in the 2010 season, Watt played in 13 games and led the team in tackles for loss, quarterback hurries, blocked kicks, and forced fumbles. He finished the season with 42 solo tackles, 20 assisted tackles, 21 tackles for loss, seven sacks, one interception for 15 yards, nine passes defended, and three fumbles forced.<ref>{{Cite web |title=J.J. Watt 2010 Game Log |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/jj-watt-1/gamelog/2010/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180219031326/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/jj-watt-1/gamelog/2010/ |archive-date=February 19, 2018 |access-date=February 18, 2018 |website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> He earned the Ronnie Lott Trophy in 2010, voted AP and ''Sports Illustrated'' second-team All-American, All-Big Ten first-team, academic All-Big Ten, and was voted the team's MVP.<ref name="jj9" />
+At the [[University of Wisconsin–Madison]], Watt [[Redshirt (college sports)|redshirted]] the 2008 season and was named Wisconsin's Scout Team Player of the Year.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rittenberg |first=Adam |date=2010-12-30 |title=Badgers' Watt driven by dreams, hard work |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/bigten/post/_/id/21586/badgers-watt-driven-by-dreams-hard-work |access-date=2024-06-02 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref> In 2009, he played in 13 games as a defensive end. In a game against [[2009 Hawaii Warriors football team|Hawaii]] on December 5, 2009, Watt had a career-high of two sacks, three tackles for loss, six tackles, and one quarterback hurry.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wisconsin at Hawaii Box Score, December 5, 2009 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2009-12-05-hawaii.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221008221915/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2009-12-05-hawaii.html |archive-date=October 8, 2022 |access-date=October 8, 2022 |website=[[Sports Reference]]}}</ref> Watt finished the season with 32 solo tackles, 12 assisted tackles, four and a half sacks, 15.5 tackles for loss, and five passes defended.<ref>{{Cite web |title=J.J. Watt 2009 Game Log |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/jj-watt-1/gamelog/2009/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180219090330/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/jj-watt-1/gamelog/2009/ |archive-date=February 19, 2018 |access-date=February 18, 2018 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> He also earned his first letter. On November 20, 2010, against [[2010 Michigan Wolverines football|Michigan]], he recorded his first collegiate interception.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wisconsin at Michigan Box Score, November 20, 2010 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2010-11-20-michigan.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180219090320/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2010-11-20-michigan.html |archive-date=February 19, 2018 |access-date=February 18, 2018 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Overall, in the 2010 season, Watt played in 13 games and led the team in tackles for loss, quarterback hurries, blocked kicks, and forced fumbles. He finished the season with 42 solo tackles, 20 assisted tackles, 21 tackles for loss, seven sacks, one interception for 15 yards, nine passes defended, and three fumbles forced.<ref>{{Cite web |title=J.J. Watt 2010 Game Log |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/jj-watt-1/gamelog/2010/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180219031326/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/jj-watt-1/gamelog/2010/ |archive-date=February 19, 2018 |access-date=February 18, 2018 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> He earned the Ronnie Lott Trophy in 2010, voted AP and ''Sports Illustrated'' second-team All-American, All-Big Ten first-team, academic All-Big Ten, and was voted the team's MVP.<ref name="jj9" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Ronnie Lott Trophy Winners |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/awards/lott.html |access-date=2024-06-02 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>
 ===College statistics===
@@ Line 171: / Line 171: @@
 }}
-Watt skipped his senior season, entering the [[2011 NFL Draft]]. At the 2011 [[NFL Combine]], he was a top performer in all combine categories except the 40-yard dash.<ref name="jj11">{{Cite web |title=NFL Events: Player Profile J.J. Watt |url=http://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/j.j.-watt?id=2495488 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141206032752/http://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/j.j.-watt?id=2495488 |archive-date=December 6, 2014 |access-date=November 29, 2014 |website=[[NFL.com]]}}</ref>
+Watt skipped his senior season, entering the [[2011 NFL draft]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rittenberg |first=Adam |date=2011-01-06 |title=Wisconsin's Watt leaving school for NFL draft |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2011/news/story?id=5995901 |access-date=2024-06-02 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref> At the 2011 [[NFL Combine]], he was a top performer in all combine categories except the 40-yard dash.<ref name="jj11">{{Cite web |title=NFL Events: Player Profile J.J. Watt |url=http://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/j.j.-watt?id=2495488 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141206032752/http://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/j.j.-watt?id=2495488 |archive-date=December 6, 2014 |access-date=November 29, 2014 |website=[[NFL.com]]}}</ref>
 ===Houston Texans===
 ====2011====
-On April 28, 2011, he was the first defensive end selected in the first round when the [[Houston Texans]] picked him as the 11th overall pick.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2011 NFL Draft Listing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2011/draft.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170814023237/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2011/draft.htm |archive-date=August 14, 2017 |access-date=February 18, 2018 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> The Texans signed Watt to a four-year, $11.24&nbsp;million contract on July 31, 2011.<ref name="jj13">{{Cite web |last=Robinson |first=Charles |date=August 19, 2014 |title=Texans star J.J. Watt seeks 'same appreciation' that draft mates received with new contracts |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/news/texans--j-j--watt-seeks--same-appreciation--others-received-with-contract-extensions-155302454.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141205183226/http://sports.yahoo.com/news/texans--j-j--watt-seeks--same-appreciation--others-received-with-contract-extensions-155302454.html |archive-date=December 5, 2014 |access-date=November 29, 2014 |website=Yahoo! Sports}}</ref><ref name="jj12">{{Cite web |title=NFL Prospect J.J. Watt |url=http://www.nfl.com/draft/2011/profiles/j.j.-watt?id=2495488 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180927143836/http://www.nfl.com/draft/2011/profiles/j.j.-watt?id=2495488 |archive-date=September 27, 2018 |access-date=November 29, 2014 |website=[[NFL.com]]}}</ref>
+On April 28, 2011, he was the first defensive end selected in the first round when the [[Houston Texans]] picked him as the 11th overall pick.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2011 NFL Draft Listing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2011/draft.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170814023237/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2011/draft.htm |archive-date=August 14, 2017 |access-date=February 18, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> The Texans signed Watt to a four-year, $11.24&nbsp;million contract on July 31, 2011.<ref name="jj13">{{Cite web |last=Robinson |first=Charles |date=August 19, 2014 |title=Texans star J.J. Watt seeks 'same appreciation' that draft mates received with new contracts |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/news/texans--j-j--watt-seeks--same-appreciation--others-received-with-contract-extensions-155302454.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141205183226/http://sports.yahoo.com/news/texans--j-j--watt-seeks--same-appreciation--others-received-with-contract-extensions-155302454.html |archive-date=December 5, 2014 |access-date=November 29, 2014 |website=Yahoo! Sports}}</ref><ref name="jj12">{{Cite web |title=NFL Prospect J.J. Watt |url=http://www.nfl.com/draft/2011/profiles/j.j.-watt?id=2495488 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180927143836/http://www.nfl.com/draft/2011/profiles/j.j.-watt?id=2495488 |archive-date=September 27, 2018 |access-date=November 29, 2014 |website=[[NFL.com]]}}</ref>
 [[File:JJWatt.jpg|thumb|Watt during his sophomore season in 2012, when he won NFL Defensive Player of the Year]]
-In the 2011 season, Watt started all 16 games. In the season opener against the [[2011 Indianapolis Colts season|Indianapolis Colts]], he had five tackles and a fumble recovery in his NFL debut.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans – September 11th, 2011 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201109110htx.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180821093903/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201109110htx.htm |archive-date=August 21, 2018 |access-date=February 18, 2018 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> On November 27, against the [[2011 Jacksonville Jaguars season|Jacksonville Jaguars]], Watt had his first multi-sack game with 2.0 in the 20–13 victory.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Houston Texans at Jacksonville Jaguars – November 27th, 2011 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201111270jax.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180219031253/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201111270jax.htm |archive-date=February 19, 2018 |access-date=February 18, 2018 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> Watt finished his rookie year with 48 solo tackles, eight assisted tackles, and 5.5 sacks. The Texans qualified for the playoffs for the first time in franchise history.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Houston Texans Team Encyclopedia |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/htx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180316073553/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/htx/ |archive-date=March 16, 2018 |access-date=February 18, 2018 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2011 Houston Texans Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/htx/2011.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180216143902/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/htx/2011.htm |archive-date=February 16, 2018 |access-date=February 18, 2018 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>
+In the 2011 season, Watt started all 16 games. In the season opener against the [[2011 Indianapolis Colts season|Indianapolis Colts]], he had five tackles and a fumble recovery in his NFL debut.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans – September 11th, 2011 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201109110htx.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180821093903/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201109110htx.htm |archive-date=August 21, 2018 |access-date=February 18, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> On November 27, against the [[2011 Jacksonville Jaguars season|Jacksonville Jaguars]], Watt had his first multi-sack game with 2.0 in the 20–13 victory.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Houston Texans at Jacksonville Jaguars – November 27th, 2011 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201111270jax.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180219031253/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201111270jax.htm |archive-date=February 19, 2018 |access-date=February 18, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Watt finished his rookie year with 48 solo tackles, eight assisted tackles, and 5.5 sacks. The Texans qualified for the playoffs for the first time in franchise history.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Houston Texans Team Encyclopedia |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/htx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180316073553/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/htx/ |archive-date=March 16, 2018 |access-date=February 18, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2011 Houston Texans Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/htx/2011.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180216143902/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/htx/2011.htm |archive-date=February 16, 2018 |access-date=February 18, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>
-In the playoffs, Watt recorded 11 solo tackles, three assisted tackles, an interception returned for a touchdown, one pass defended, and 3.5 sacks in two games against the [[2011 Cincinnati Bengals season|Cincinnati Bengals]] in the [[2011–12 NFL playoffs#AFC: Houston Texans 31, Cincinnati Bengals 10|Wild Card Round]] and the [[2011 Baltimore Ravens season|Baltimore Ravens]] in the [[2011–12 NFL playoffs#AFC: Baltimore Ravens 20, Houston Texans 13|Divisional Round]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wild Card – Cincinnati Bengals at Houston Texans – January 7th, 2012 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201201070htx.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171210073228/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201201070htx.htm |archive-date=December 10, 2017 |access-date=February 18, 2018 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Divisional Round – Houston Texans at Baltimore Ravens – January 15th, 2012 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201201150rav.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171231155413/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201201150rav.htm |archive-date=December 31, 2017 |access-date=February 18, 2018 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> Watt was named Texans Team Rookie of the Year, USA Today All-Joe Team, and Pro-Football Weekly/PFWA All-Rookie Team.<ref name="jj14">{{Cite web |title=Houston Texans: J.J. Watt |url=https://www.houstontexans.com/team/players-roster/j-j-watt/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191223042825/https://www.houstontexans.com/team/players-roster/j-j-watt/ |archive-date=December 23, 2019 |access-date=December 13, 2019 |website=HoustonTexans.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2011 NFL All-Rookie Team |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/nfl-all-rookie-2011.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201005170503/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/nfl-all-rookie-2011.htm |archive-date=October 5, 2020 |access-date=October 8, 2022 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>
+In the playoffs, Watt recorded 11 solo tackles, three assisted tackles, an interception returned for a touchdown, one pass defended, and 3.5 sacks in two games against the [[2011 Cincinnati Bengals season|Cincinnati Bengals]] in the [[2011–12 NFL playoffs#AFC: Houston Texans 31, Cincinnati Bengals 10|Wild Card Round]] and the [[2011 Baltimore Ravens season|Baltimore Ravens]] in the [[2011–12 NFL playoffs#AFC: Baltimore Ravens 20, Houston Texans 13|Divisional Round]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wild Card – Cincinnati Bengals at Houston Texans – January 7th, 2012 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201201070htx.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171210073228/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201201070htx.htm |archive-date=December 10, 2017 |access-date=February 18, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Divisional Round – Houston Texans at Baltimore Ravens – January 15th, 2012 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201201150rav.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171231155413/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201201150rav.htm |archive-date=December 31, 2017 |access-date=February 18, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Watt was named Texans Team Rookie of the Year, USA Today All-Joe Team, and Pro-Football Weekly/PFWA All-Rookie Team.<ref name="jj14">{{Cite web |title=Houston Texans: J.J. Watt |url=https://www.houstontexans.com/team/players-roster/j-j-watt/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191223042825/https://www.houstontexans.com/team/players-roster/j-j-watt/ |archive-date=December 23, 2019 |access-date=December 13, 2019 |website=HoustonTexans.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2011 NFL All-Rookie Team |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/nfl-all-rookie-2011.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201005170503/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/nfl-all-rookie-2011.htm |archive-date=October 5, 2020 |access-date=October 8, 2022 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>
 ====2012====
-In 2012, Watt had one of the best seasons for a defensive player in NFL history. He finished the season with 69 solo tackles, 12 assisted tackles, 20.5 sacks, 16 passes defended, four forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries.<ref>{{Cite web |title=J.J. Watt 2012 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/enwiki/w/WattJ.00/gamelog/2012/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221009035910/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/enwiki/w/WattJ.00/gamelog/2012/ |archive-date=October 9, 2022 |access-date=October 9, 2022 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> He earned AFC Defensive Player of the Week for his Week 2 game against the [[2012 Jacksonville Jaguars|Jacksonville Jaguars]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Houston Texans at Jacksonville Jaguars - September 16th, 2012 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201209160jax.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180216084500/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201209160jax.htm |archive-date=February 16, 2018 |access-date=October 9, 2022 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> He was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Month in both September and December.<ref name="month">{{Cite web |title=NFL Players of the Month |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/players-of-the-month.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220929204108/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/players-of-the-month.htm |archive-date=September 29, 2022 |access-date=October 9, 2022 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> On November 22, 2012, in a game against the [[2012 Detroit Lions season|Detroit Lions]], Watt recorded three sacks, to give him a total of 14.5, breaking the Texans' record for sacks in a season, which was previously held by [[Mario Williams]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Houston Texans at Detroit Lions – November 22nd, 2012 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201211220det.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180216090142/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201211220det.htm |archive-date=February 16, 2018 |access-date=February 18, 2018 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Texans Team History |url=https://www.houstontexans.com/team/team-history |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171221161409/http://www.houstontexans.com/team/history.html |archive-date=December 21, 2017 |access-date=December 13, 2019 |website=HoustonTexans.com}}</ref> On December 16, against the [[2012 Indianapolis Colts season|Indianapolis Colts]], Watt recorded three sacks and ten total tackles in a 29–17 victory.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans – December 16th, 2012 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201212160htx.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180216084504/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201212160htx.htm |archive-date=February 16, 2018 |access-date=February 18, 2018 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> The Texans made the playoffs again in 2012, and Watt recorded six solo tackles, three assisted tackles, two passes defended, and two sacks in two games.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2012 Houston Texans Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/htx/2012.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180724093239/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/htx/2012.htm |archive-date=July 24, 2018 |access-date=February 18, 2018 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Wild Card – Cincinnati Bengals at Houston Texans – January 5th, 2013 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201301050htx.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180216143753/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201301050htx.htm |archive-date=February 16, 2018 |access-date=February 18, 2018 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Divisional Round – Houston Texans at New England Patriots – January 13th, 2013 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201301130nwe.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180201140856/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201301130nwe.htm |archive-date=February 1, 2018 |access-date=February 18, 2018 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=J.J. Watt Career Stats |url=http://www.foxsports.com/nfl/player/j.j.-watt/careerstats/1268600?seasonState=PostSeason |access-date=November 29, 2014}}</ref> Watt finished the season 2.5 sacks shy of [[Michael Strahan]]'s single-season record for sacks, set in 2001.<ref name="jj15">{{Cite web |last=Ganguli |first=Tania |date=December 30, 2012 |title=Watt sacked in quest for record |url=http://blog.chron.com/ultimatetexans/2012/12/sack-record-not-on-j-j-watts-mind-after-loss/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141205051947/http://blog.chron.com/ultimatetexans/2012/12/sack-record-not-on-j-j-watts-mind-after-loss/ |archive-date=December 5, 2014 |access-date=November 29, 2014 |website=Chron.com}}</ref> Watt was named to the 2013 NFL Pro-Bowl Team on December 26, 2012.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2012 NFL Pro Bowlers |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2012/probowl.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180316023449/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2012/probowl.htm |archive-date=March 16, 2018 |access-date=October 9, 2022 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> Watt also was named Texans Team Most Valuable Player, USA Football Fundamentals Team, PFW First-team All-Pro, Pro Football Weekly/PFWA Most Valuable Player, Sporting News Defensive Player of the Year, NFL 101 AFC Defensive Player of the Year, AP First-team All-Pro, and the AP Defensive Player of the Year.<ref name="jj14" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Sporting News Defensive Player of the Year Winners |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/sporting-news-defensive-player-of-the-year-award.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221009040523/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/sporting-news-defensive-player-of-the-year-award.htm |archive-date=October 9, 2022 |access-date=October 9, 2022 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=PFWA Defensive Player of the Year Winners |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/pfwa-defensive-player-of-the-year-award.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221009040405/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/pfwa-defensive-player-of-the-year-award.htm |archive-date=October 9, 2022 |access-date=October 9, 2022 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2012 NFL All-Pros |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2012/allpro.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180316023038/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2012/allpro.htm |archive-date=March 16, 2018 |access-date=October 9, 2022 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> Watt received 49 out of 50 votes for the Defensive Player of the Year award. He is the first Texans player to receive an NFL Player of the Year award.<ref name="jj16">{{Cite web |last=Wilner |first=Barry |date=February 2, 2013 |title=J.J. Watt Named 2012 AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/02/jj-watt-defensive-player-of-the-year-award-2012_n_2608315.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130203074819/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/02/jj-watt-defensive-player-of-the-year-award-2012_n_2608315.html |archive-date=February 3, 2013 |access-date=December 13, 2019 |website=[[HuffPost]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2012 Awards Voting |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/awards_2012.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221009040129/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/awards_2012.htm |archive-date=October 9, 2022 |access-date=October 9, 2022 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> Watt was the 17th defensive lineman and only the eighth defensive end to receive the award since 1971.<ref name="jj17">{{Cite web |date=February 2, 2013 |title=J.J. Watt named AP Defensive Player of Year |url=http://www.houstontexans.com/news/article-2/JJ-Watt-named-AP-Defensive-Player-of-Year/e1343f10-d281-4d12-add2-1385df19985b |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130206093616/http://www.houstontexans.com/news/article-2/JJ-Watt-named-AP-Defensive-Player-of-Year/e1343f10-d281-4d12-add2-1385df19985b |archive-date=February 6, 2013 |access-date=December 13, 2019 |website=HoustonTexans.com}}</ref> Watt made the highest debut on the [[NFL Top 100 Players of 2012]], coming in at number five.<ref name="jj18">{{Cite web |last=Ganguli |first=Tania |date=June 27, 2013 |title=J.J. Watt fifth, Arian Foster eighth on NFL Network's top 100 |url=http://blog.chron.com/ultimatetexans/2013/06/j-j-watt-fifth-arian-foster-eighth-on-nfl-networks-top-100/#13180103=0&13631101=0 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130629032858/http://blog.chron.com/ultimatetexans/2013/06/j-j-watt-fifth-arian-foster-eighth-on-nfl-networks-top-100/#13180103=0&13631101=0 |archive-date=June 29, 2013 |access-date=December 13, 2019}}</ref>
+In 2012, Watt is considered to have had one of the best seasons for a defensive player in NFL history.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wesseling |first=Chris |date=June 13, 2013 |title=J.J. Watt's historic 2012 season for Texans examined |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/j-j-watt-s-historic-2012-season-for-texans-examined-0ap1000000212239 |access-date=2024-06-02 |website=NFL.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2013-01-10 |title=Wade Phillips: J.J. Watt had the best season ever |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/wade-phillips-j-j-watt-had-the-best-season-ever |access-date=2024-06-02 |website=NBC Sports |language=en-US}}</ref> He finished the season with 69 solo tackles, 12 assisted tackles, 20.5 sacks, 16 passes defended, four forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries.<ref>{{Cite web |title=J.J. Watt 2012 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/enwiki/w/WattJ.00/gamelog/2012/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221009035910/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/enwiki/w/WattJ.00/gamelog/2012/ |archive-date=October 9, 2022 |access-date=October 9, 2022 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> He earned AFC Defensive Player of the Week for his Week 2 game against the [[2012 Jacksonville Jaguars|Jacksonville Jaguars]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Houston Texans at Jacksonville Jaguars - September 16th, 2012 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201209160jax.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180216084500/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201209160jax.htm |archive-date=February 16, 2018 |access-date=October 9, 2022 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> He was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Month in both September and December.<ref name="month">{{Cite web |title=NFL Players of the Month |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/players-of-the-month.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220929204108/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/players-of-the-month.htm |archive-date=September 29, 2022 |access-date=October 9, 2022 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> On November 22, 2012, in a game against the [[2012 Detroit Lions season|Detroit Lions]], Watt recorded three sacks, to give him a total of 14.5, breaking the Texans' record for sacks in a season, which was previously held by [[Mario Williams]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Houston Texans at Detroit Lions – November 22nd, 2012 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201211220det.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180216090142/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201211220det.htm |archive-date=February 16, 2018 |access-date=February 18, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Texans Team History |url=https://www.houstontexans.com/team/team-history |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171221161409/http://www.houstontexans.com/team/history.html |archive-date=December 21, 2017 |access-date=December 13, 2019 |website=HoustonTexans.com}}</ref> On December 16, against the [[2012 Indianapolis Colts season|Indianapolis Colts]], Watt recorded three sacks and ten total tackles in a 29–17 victory.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans – December 16th, 2012 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201212160htx.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180216084504/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201212160htx.htm |archive-date=February 16, 2018 |access-date=February 18, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> The Texans made the playoffs again in 2012, and Watt recorded six solo tackles, three assisted tackles, two passes defended, and two sacks in two games.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2012 Houston Texans Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/htx/2012.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180724093239/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/htx/2012.htm |archive-date=July 24, 2018 |access-date=February 18, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Wild Card – Cincinnati Bengals at Houston Texans – January 5th, 2013 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201301050htx.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180216143753/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201301050htx.htm |archive-date=February 16, 2018 |access-date=February 18, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Divisional Round – Houston Texans at New England Patriots – January 13th, 2013 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201301130nwe.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180201140856/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201301130nwe.htm |archive-date=February 1, 2018 |access-date=February 18, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=J.J. Watt Career Stats |url=http://www.foxsports.com/nfl/player/j.j.-watt/careerstats/1268600?seasonState=PostSeason |access-date=November 29, 2014}}</ref> Watt finished the season 2.5 sacks shy of [[Michael Strahan]]'s single-season record for sacks, set in 2001.<ref name="jj15">{{Cite web |last=Ganguli |first=Tania |date=December 30, 2012 |title=Watt sacked in quest for record |url=http://blog.chron.com/ultimatetexans/2012/12/sack-record-not-on-j-j-watts-mind-after-loss/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141205051947/http://blog.chron.com/ultimatetexans/2012/12/sack-record-not-on-j-j-watts-mind-after-loss/ |archive-date=December 5, 2014 |access-date=November 29, 2014 |website=Chron.com}}</ref> Watt was named to the 2013 NFL Pro-Bowl Team on December 26, 2012.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2012 NFL Pro Bowlers |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2012/probowl.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180316023449/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2012/probowl.htm |archive-date=March 16, 2018 |access-date=October 9, 2022 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Watt also was named Texans Team Most Valuable Player, USA Football Fundamentals Team, PFW First-team All-Pro, Pro Football Weekly/PFWA Most Valuable Player, Sporting News Defensive Player of the Year, NFL 101 AFC Defensive Player of the Year, AP First-team All-Pro, and the AP Defensive Player of the Year.<ref name="jj14" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Sporting News Defensive Player of the Year Winners |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/sporting-news-defensive-player-of-the-year-award.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221009040523/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/sporting-news-defensive-player-of-the-year-award.htm |archive-date=October 9, 2022 |access-date=October 9, 2022 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=PFWA Defensive Player of the Year Winners |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/pfwa-defensive-player-of-the-year-award.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221009040405/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/pfwa-defensive-player-of-the-year-award.htm |archive-date=October 9, 2022 |access-date=October 9, 2022 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2012 NFL All-Pros |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2012/allpro.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180316023038/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2012/allpro.htm |archive-date=March 16, 2018 |access-date=October 9, 2022 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Watt received 49 out of 50 votes for the Defensive Player of the Year award.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2012 Awards Voting |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/awards_2012.htm |access-date=2024-06-01 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> He is the first Texans player to receive an NFL Player of the Year award.<ref name="jj16">{{Cite web |last=Wilner |first=Barry |date=February 2, 2013 |title=J.J. Watt Named 2012 AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/02/jj-watt-defensive-player-of-the-year-award-2012_n_2608315.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130203074819/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/02/jj-watt-defensive-player-of-the-year-award-2012_n_2608315.html |archive-date=February 3, 2013 |access-date=December 13, 2019 |website=[[HuffPost]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2012 Awards Voting |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/awards_2012.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221009040129/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/awards_2012.htm |archive-date=October 9, 2022 |access-date=October 9, 2022 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Watt was the 17th defensive lineman and only the eighth defensive end to receive the award since 1971.<ref name="jj17">{{Cite web |date=February 2, 2013 |title=J.J. Watt named AP Defensive Player of Year |url=http://www.houstontexans.com/news/article-2/JJ-Watt-named-AP-Defensive-Player-of-Year/e1343f10-d281-4d12-add2-1385df19985b |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130206093616/http://www.houstontexans.com/news/article-2/JJ-Watt-named-AP-Defensive-Player-of-Year/e1343f10-d281-4d12-add2-1385df19985b |archive-date=February 6, 2013 |access-date=December 13, 2019 |website=HoustonTexans.com}}</ref> Watt made the highest debut on the [[NFL Top 100 Players of 2012]], coming in at number five.<ref name="jj18">{{Cite web |last=Ganguli |first=Tania |date=June 27, 2013 |title=J.J. Watt fifth, Arian Foster eighth on NFL Network's top 100 |url=http://blog.chron.com/ultimatetexans/2013/06/j-j-watt-fifth-arian-foster-eighth-on-nfl-networks-top-100/#13180103=0&13631101=0 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130629032858/http://blog.chron.com/ultimatetexans/2013/06/j-j-watt-fifth-arian-foster-eighth-on-nfl-networks-top-100/#13180103=0&13631101=0 |archive-date=June 29, 2013 |access-date=December 13, 2019}}</ref>
 ====2013====
 [[File:Philip Rivers, JJ Watt, Nick Mangold 2014 Pro Bowl (cropped).jpg|upright|thumb|left|Watt during the 2014 Pro Bowl]]
-Though Watt had a strong season, the Texans struggled as a whole in the 2013 season.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2013 Houston Texans Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/htx/2013.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180219090158/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/htx/2013.htm |archive-date=February 19, 2018 |access-date=February 18, 2018 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> In Week 2, against the [[2013 Tennessee Titans season|Tennessee Titans]], he had his first two sacks of the season in a 30–24 win.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tennessee Titans at Houston Texans – September 15th, 2013 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201309150htx.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106120313/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201309150htx.htm |archive-date=January 6, 2018 |access-date=February 18, 2018 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> From Weeks 7–12, he recorded at least one sack in each game.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Houston Texans at Kansas City Chiefs – October 20th, 2013 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201310200kan.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119235032/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201310200kan.htm |archive-date=January 19, 2018 |access-date=February 18, 2018 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans – November 3rd, 2013 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201311030htx.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327172447/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201311030htx.htm |archive-date=March 27, 2019 |access-date=February 18, 2018 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Houston Texans at Arizona Cardinals – November 10th, 2013 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201311100crd.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180219094802/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201311100crd.htm |archive-date=February 19, 2018 |access-date=February 18, 2018 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Oakland Raiders at Houston Texans – November 17th, 2013 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201311170htx.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171116032445/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201311170htx.htm |archive-date=November 16, 2017 |access-date=February 18, 2018 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Jacksonville Jaguars at Houston Texans – November 24th, 2013 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201311240htx.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180219090154/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201311240htx.htm |archive-date=February 19, 2018 |access-date=February 18, 2018 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> Overall, in the 2013 season, Watt recorded 65 solo tackles, 15 assisted tackles, seven passes defended, 10.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries.<ref name="jj14" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=J.J. Watt 2013 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/enwiki/w/WattJ.00/gamelog/2013/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180219090136/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/enwiki/w/WattJ.00/gamelog/2013/ |archive-date=February 19, 2018 |access-date=February 18, 2018 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> The Texans, however, had a losing season and finished with a 2–14 record.<ref>{{Cite web |title=J.J. Watt Game-By-Game Stats |url=http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/gamelog/_/id/13979/year/2012/jj-watt |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141207033020/http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/gamelog/_/id/13979/year/2012/jj-watt |archive-date=December 7, 2014 |access-date=November 29, 2014}}</ref> Watt was named to the 2014 NFL Pro Bowl and earned First Team All-Pro honors.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2013 NFL Pro Bowlers |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2013/probowl.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180307082346/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2013/probowl.htm |archive-date=March 7, 2018 |access-date=October 9, 2022 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2013 NFL All-Pros |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2013/allpro.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201005175929/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2013/allpro.htm |archive-date=October 5, 2020 |access-date=October 9, 2022 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>
+Though Watt had a strong season, the Texans struggled as a whole in the 2013 season.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2013 Houston Texans Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/htx/2013.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180219090158/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/htx/2013.htm |archive-date=February 19, 2018 |access-date=February 18, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> In Week 2, against the [[2013 Tennessee Titans season|Tennessee Titans]], he had his first two sacks of the season in a 30–24 win.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tennessee Titans at Houston Texans – September 15th, 2013 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201309150htx.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106120313/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201309150htx.htm |archive-date=January 6, 2018 |access-date=February 18, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> From Weeks 7–12, he recorded at least one sack in each game.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Houston Texans at Kansas City Chiefs – October 20th, 2013 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201310200kan.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119235032/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201310200kan.htm |archive-date=January 19, 2018 |access-date=February 18, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans – November 3rd, 2013 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201311030htx.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327172447/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201311030htx.htm |archive-date=March 27, 2019 |access-date=February 18, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Houston Texans at Arizona Cardinals – November 10th, 2013 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201311100crd.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180219094802/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201311100crd.htm |archive-date=February 19, 2018 |access-date=February 18, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Oakland Raiders at Houston Texans – November 17th, 2013 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201311170htx.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171116032445/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201311170htx.htm |archive-date=November 16, 2017 |access-date=February 18, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Jacksonville Jaguars at Houston Texans – November 24th, 2013 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201311240htx.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180219090154/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201311240htx.htm |archive-date=February 19, 2018 |access-date=February 18, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Overall, in the 2013 season, Watt recorded 65 solo tackles, 15 assisted tackles, seven passes defended, 10.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries.<ref name="jj14" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=J.J. Watt 2013 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/enwiki/w/WattJ.00/gamelog/2013/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180219090136/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/enwiki/w/WattJ.00/gamelog/2013/ |archive-date=February 19, 2018 |access-date=February 18, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> The Texans, however, had a losing season and finished with a 2–14 record.<ref>{{Cite web |title=J.J. Watt Game-By-Game Stats |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/gamelog/_/id/13979/year/2012/jj-watt |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141207033020/http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/gamelog/_/id/13979/year/2012/jj-watt |archive-date=December 7, 2014 |access-date=November 29, 2014}}</ref> Watt was named to the 2014 NFL Pro Bowl and earned First Team All-Pro honors.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2013 NFL Pro Bowlers |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2013/probowl.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180307082346/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2013/probowl.htm |archive-date=March 7, 2018 |access-date=October 9, 2022 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2013 NFL All-Pros |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2013/allpro.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201005175929/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2013/allpro.htm |archive-date=October 5, 2020 |access-date=October 9, 2022 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>
 ====2014====
-Prior to the start of the 2014 season, the Texans and Watt agreed to a six-year contract extension, worth $100&nbsp;million.<ref name="jj20">{{Cite web |last=Rosenthal |first=Gregg |date=September 2, 2014 |title=J.J. Watt signs six-year, $100M extension with Texans |url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000387128/article/jj-watt-signs-sixyear-100m-extension-with-texans |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191214134013/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000387128/article/jj-watt-signs-sixyear-100m-extension-with-texans |archive-date=December 14, 2019 |access-date=December 13, 2019 |website=NFL.com}}</ref> He received $30.9&nbsp;million at signing and was expected to receive $21&nbsp;million at the start of the 2016 season if he was on the roster. This contract made him the NFL's highest paid non-quarterback, based on average yearly salary.<ref name="jj21">{{Cite web |last=Corry |first=Joel |date=September 4, 2014 |title=J.J. Watt's New Contract Makes Him The League's Highest Paid Non-Quarterback |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/jj-watt-new-deal_n_5760724 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191213184839/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/jj-watt-new-deal_n_5760724 |archive-date=December 13, 2019 |access-date=December 13, 2019 |website=HuffPost.com}}</ref>
+Prior to the start of the 2014 season, the Texans and Watt agreed to a six-year contract extension, worth $100&nbsp;million.<ref name="jj20">{{Cite web |last=Rosenthal |first=Gregg |date=September 2, 2014 |title=J.J. Watt signs six-year, $100M extension with Texans |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/j-j-watt-signs-six-year-100m-extension-with-texans-0ap3000000387128 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191214134013/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000387128/article/jj-watt-signs-sixyear-100m-extension-with-texans |archive-date=December 14, 2019 |access-date=December 13, 2019 |website=NFL.com}}</ref> He received $30.9&nbsp;million at signing and was expected to receive $21&nbsp;million at the start of the 2016 season if he was on the roster. This contract made him the NFL's highest paid non-quarterback, based on average yearly salary.<ref name="jj21">{{Cite web |last=Corry |first=Joel |date=September 4, 2014 |title=J.J. Watt's New Contract Makes Him The League's Highest Paid Non-Quarterback |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/jj-watt-new-deal_n_5760724 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191213184839/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/jj-watt-new-deal_n_5760724 |archive-date=December 13, 2019 |access-date=December 13, 2019 |website=HuffPost.com}}</ref>
-In a game against the [[2014 Oakland Raiders season|Oakland Raiders]], on September 14, Watt became the first defensive player in Texans history to score a touchdown from scrimmage. He scored the touchdown on a one-yard catch after coming into the game as a tight end.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Houston Texans at Oakland Raiders – September 14th, 2014 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201409140rai.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180216090140/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201409140rai.htm |archive-date=February 16, 2018 |access-date=February 18, 2018 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref><ref name="jj22">{{Cite web |last=Sidhu |first=Deepi |date=September 14, 2014 |title=J.J. Watt scores offensive TD at Oakland |url=https://www.houstontexans.com/news/j-j-watt-scores-offensive-td-at-oakland-13740366 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191213184841/https://www.houstontexans.com/news/j-j-watt-scores-offensive-td-at-oakland-13740366 |archive-date=December 13, 2019 |access-date=December 13, 2019 |website=HoustonTexans.com}}</ref> He scored his second touchdown of the season on September 28, against the [[2014 Buffalo Bills season|Buffalo Bills]]. Watt picked off a pass from Buffalo's [[EJ Manuel]] that was intended for [[Fred Jackson (running back)|Fred Jackson]], and returned it 80 yards for a touchdown.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Buffalo Bills at Houston Texans – September 28th, 2014 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201409280htx.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180126070654/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201409280htx.htm |archive-date=January 26, 2018 |access-date=February 18, 2018 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> With this touchdown, Watt became tied at sixth for the longest interception return by a defensive lineman. Watt's touchdown was the fourth longest interception return in Houston Texans history.<ref name="jj23">{{Cite web |last=Sidhu |first=Deepi |date=September 28, 2014 |title=J.J. Watt scores on pick-six |url=https://www.houstontexans.com/news/j-j-watt-scores-on-pick-six-13870505 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191214095205/https://www.houstontexans.com/news/j-j-watt-scores-on-pick-six-13870505 |archive-date=December 14, 2019 |access-date=December 13, 2019 |website=HoustonTexans.com}}</ref> During the game, Watt hit Manuel nine times, but was flagged twice for roughing the passer. Watt was fined $16,537 for one of the incidents.<ref name="jj24">{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Michael David |date=October 3, 2014 |title=J.J. Watt fined for roughing EJ Manuel |url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/10/03/j-j-watt-fined-for-roughing-ej-manuel/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191213185334/https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/10/03/j-j-watt-fined-for-roughing-ej-manuel/ |archive-date=December 13, 2019 |access-date=December 13, 2019 |website=Pro Football Talk}}</ref> In a game against the Bills, he earned AFC Defensive Player of the Week.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2014 NFL Week 4 Leaders & Scores |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2014/week_4.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180321130559/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2014/week_4.htm |archive-date=March 21, 2018 |access-date=October 9, 2022 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> Watt was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Month for September.<ref name="jj25">{{Cite web |last=Patra |first=Kevin |date=October 2, 2014 |title=DeMarco Murray, J.J. Watt lead Players of the Month |url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000404194/article/demarco-murray-jj-watt-lead-players-of-the-month |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191214133955/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000404194/article/demarco-murray-jj-watt-lead-players-of-the-month |archive-date=December 14, 2019 |access-date=December 13, 2019 |website=NFL.com}}</ref>
+In a game against the [[2014 Oakland Raiders season|Oakland Raiders]], on September 14, Watt became the first defensive player in Texans history to score a touchdown from scrimmage. He scored the touchdown on a one-yard catch after coming into the game as a tight end.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Houston Texans at Oakland Raiders – September 14th, 2014 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201409140rai.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180216090140/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201409140rai.htm |archive-date=February 16, 2018 |access-date=February 18, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref name="jj22">{{Cite web |last=Sidhu |first=Deepi |date=September 14, 2014 |title=J.J. Watt scores offensive TD at Oakland |url=https://www.houstontexans.com/news/j-j-watt-scores-offensive-td-at-oakland-13740366 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191213184841/https://www.houstontexans.com/news/j-j-watt-scores-offensive-td-at-oakland-13740366 |archive-date=December 13, 2019 |access-date=December 13, 2019 |website=HoustonTexans.com}}</ref> He scored his second touchdown of the season on September 28, against the [[2014 Buffalo Bills season|Buffalo Bills]]. Watt picked off a pass from Buffalo's [[EJ Manuel]] that was intended for [[Fred Jackson (running back)|Fred Jackson]], and returned it 80 yards for a touchdown.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Buffalo Bills at Houston Texans – September 28th, 2014 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201409280htx.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180126070654/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201409280htx.htm |archive-date=January 26, 2018 |access-date=February 18, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> With this touchdown, Watt became tied at sixth for the longest interception return by a defensive lineman. Watt's touchdown was the fourth longest interception return in Houston Texans history.<ref name="jj23">{{Cite web |last=Sidhu |first=Deepi |date=September 28, 2014 |title=J.J. Watt scores on pick-six |url=https://www.houstontexans.com/news/j-j-watt-scores-on-pick-six-13870505 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191214095205/https://www.houstontexans.com/news/j-j-watt-scores-on-pick-six-13870505 |archive-date=December 14, 2019 |access-date=December 13, 2019 |website=HoustonTexans.com}}</ref> During the game, Watt hit Manuel nine times, but was flagged twice for roughing the passer. Watt was fined $16,537 for one of the incidents.<ref name="jj24">{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Michael David |date=October 3, 2014 |title=J.J. Watt fined for roughing EJ Manuel |url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/10/03/j-j-watt-fined-for-roughing-ej-manuel/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191213185334/https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/10/03/j-j-watt-fined-for-roughing-ej-manuel/ |archive-date=December 13, 2019 |access-date=December 13, 2019 |website=Pro Football Talk}}</ref> In a game against the Bills, he earned AFC Defensive Player of the Week.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2014 NFL Week 4 Leaders & Scores |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2014/week_4.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180321130559/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2014/week_4.htm |archive-date=March 21, 2018 |access-date=October 9, 2022 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Watt was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Month for September.<ref name="jj25">{{Cite web |last=Patra |first=Kevin |date=October 2, 2014 |title=DeMarco Murray, J.J. Watt lead Players of the Month |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/demarco-murray-j-j-watt-lead-players-of-the-month-0ap3000000404194 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191214133955/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000404194/article/demarco-murray-jj-watt-lead-players-of-the-month |archive-date=December 14, 2019 |access-date=December 13, 2019 |website=NFL.com}}</ref>
-In a Week 5 [[Thursday Night Football|Thursday night]] game against the [[2014 Indianapolis Colts season|Indianapolis Colts]], Watt recorded two sacks on [[Andrew Luck]], one of which was a strip-sack in the fourth quarter that he recovered and returned 45 yards for a touchdown.<ref name="jj26">{{Cite web |last=Machir |first=Troy |date=October 10, 2014 |title=J.J. Watt forces and recovers fumble, scores third TD of season |url=https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/jj-watt-touchdown-video-fumble-return-texans-colts-andrew-luck/5tu13qpmdbu31cp2272h8d5tq |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191213184839/https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/jj-watt-touchdown-video-fumble-return-texans-colts-andrew-luck/5tu13qpmdbu31cp2272h8d5tq |archive-date=December 13, 2019 |access-date=December 13, 2019 |website=SportingNews.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans – October 9th, 2014 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201410090htx.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180111170719/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201410090htx.htm |archive-date=January 11, 2018 |access-date=February 18, 2018 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com}}</ref> Despite Watt's performance, the Texans lost 33–28.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 9, 2014 |title=Andrew Luck, Colts hold on against J.J. Watt (return TD), Texans |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400554216 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929193950/https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400554216 |archive-date=September 29, 2021 |access-date=September 29, 2021 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}}</ref>
+In a Week 5 [[Thursday Night Football|Thursday night]] game against the [[2014 Indianapolis Colts season|Indianapolis Colts]], Watt recorded two sacks on [[Andrew Luck]], one of which was a strip-sack in the fourth quarter that he recovered and returned 45 yards for a touchdown.<ref name="jj26">{{Cite web |last=Machir |first=Troy |date=October 10, 2014 |title=J.J. Watt forces and recovers fumble, scores third TD of season |url=https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/jj-watt-touchdown-video-fumble-return-texans-colts-andrew-luck/5tu13qpmdbu31cp2272h8d5tq |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191213184839/https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/jj-watt-touchdown-video-fumble-return-texans-colts-andrew-luck/5tu13qpmdbu31cp2272h8d5tq |archive-date=December 13, 2019 |access-date=December 13, 2019 |website=SportingNews.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans – October 9th, 2014 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201410090htx.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180111170719/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201410090htx.htm |archive-date=January 11, 2018 |access-date=February 18, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> Despite Watt's performance, the Texans lost 33–28.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 9, 2014 |title=Andrew Luck, Colts hold on against J.J. Watt (return TD), Texans |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400554216 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929193950/https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400554216 |archive-date=September 29, 2021 |access-date=September 29, 2021 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}}</ref>
-For his fourth touchdown of the season, Watt caught a two-yard pass from Texans quarterback, [[Ryan Mallett]], for Mallett's first NFL touchdown pass. Watt recorded four solo tackles, an assisted tackle, a sack, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery in the same game, which was on November 16, against the [[2014 Cleveland Browns season|Cleveland Browns]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Houston Texans at Cleveland Browns – November 16th, 2014 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201411160cle.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180128132643/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201411160cle.htm |archive-date=January 28, 2018 |access-date=February 18, 2018 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref><ref name="jj27">{{Cite web |date=November 16, 2014 |title=Texans defensive star J.J. Watt scores fourth touchdown of the season |url=https://www.foxnews.com/sports/texans-defensive-star-j-j-watt-scores-fourth-touchdown-of-the-season |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191213184839/https://www.foxnews.com/sports/texans-defensive-star-j-j-watt-scores-fourth-touchdown-of-the-season |archive-date=December 13, 2019 |access-date=December 13, 2019 |website=Fox News}}</ref> He earned AFC Defensive Player of the Week for his game against the Browns.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2014 NFL Week 11 Leaders & Scores |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2014/week_11.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221009041149/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2014/week_11.htm |archive-date=October 9, 2022 |access-date=October 9, 2022 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>
+For his fourth touchdown of the season, Watt caught a two-yard pass from Texans quarterback, [[Ryan Mallett]], for Mallett's first NFL touchdown pass. Watt recorded four solo tackles, an assisted tackle, a sack, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery in the same game, which was on November 16, against the [[2014 Cleveland Browns season|Cleveland Browns]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Houston Texans at Cleveland Browns – November 16th, 2014 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201411160cle.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180128132643/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201411160cle.htm |archive-date=January 28, 2018 |access-date=February 18, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref name="jj27">{{Cite web |date=November 16, 2014 |title=Texans defensive star J.J. Watt scores fourth touchdown of the season |url=https://www.foxnews.com/sports/texans-defensive-star-j-j-watt-scores-fourth-touchdown-of-the-season |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191213184839/https://www.foxnews.com/sports/texans-defensive-star-j-j-watt-scores-fourth-touchdown-of-the-season |archive-date=December 13, 2019 |access-date=December 13, 2019 |website=Fox News}}</ref> He earned AFC Defensive Player of the Week for his game against the Browns.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2014 NFL Week 11 Leaders & Scores |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2014/week_11.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221009041149/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2014/week_11.htm |archive-date=October 9, 2022 |access-date=October 9, 2022 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>
-Watt scored his fifth touchdown on November 30, 2014, catching a one-yard pass from Texans quarterback [[Ryan Fitzpatrick]] against the [[2014 Tennessee Titans|Tennessee Titans]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tennessee Titans at Houston Texans – November 30th, 2014 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201411300htx.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170825020447/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201411300htx.htm |archive-date=August 25, 2017 |access-date=February 18, 2018 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> With this reception, Watt became the first defensive lineman to have scored at least five touchdowns in a season since 1944.<ref name="jj40">{{Cite web |last=Ganguli |first=Tania |date=November 30, 2014 |title=J.J. Watt scores 5th TD of season |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/11959779/jj-watt-houston-texans-1st-d-lineman-5-tds-season-1944 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191213184840/https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/11959779/jj-watt-houston-texans-1st-d-lineman-5-tds-season-1944 |archive-date=December 13, 2019 |access-date=December 13, 2019 |website=ESPN}}</ref>
+Watt scored his fifth touchdown on November 30, 2014, catching a one-yard pass from Texans quarterback [[Ryan Fitzpatrick]] against the [[2014 Tennessee Titans|Tennessee Titans]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tennessee Titans at Houston Texans – November 30th, 2014 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201411300htx.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170825020447/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201411300htx.htm |archive-date=August 25, 2017 |access-date=February 18, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> With this reception, Watt became the first defensive lineman to have scored at least five touchdowns in a season since 1944.<ref name="jj40">{{Cite web |last=Ganguli |first=Tania |date=November 30, 2014 |title=J.J. Watt scores 5th TD of season |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/11959779/jj-watt-houston-texans-1st-d-lineman-5-tds-season-1944 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191213184840/https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/11959779/jj-watt-houston-texans-1st-d-lineman-5-tds-season-1944 |archive-date=December 13, 2019 |access-date=December 13, 2019 |website=ESPN}}</ref>
-In Week 16, Watt recorded his 54th sack as a Texan on [[Joe Flacco]] in a 25–13 win against the [[2014 Baltimore Ravens season|Baltimore Ravens]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Baltimore Ravens at Houston Texans – December 21st, 2014 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201412210htx.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171231155425/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201412210htx.htm |archive-date=December 31, 2017 |access-date=February 18, 2018 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> With that sack, he surpassed [[Mario Williams]] as the franchise leader in sacks. In Week 17, against the [[2014 Jacksonville Jaguars season|Jacksonville Jaguars]], he had three sacks on [[Blake Bortles]], one of which was his first career safety which also gave him 20.5 sacks on the season, becoming the only player in NFL history to have multiple 20-sack seasons.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Houston Texans at Jacksonville Jaguars – December 7th, 2014 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201412070jax.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180216143833/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201412070jax.htm |archive-date=February 16, 2018 |access-date=February 18, 2018 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |title=Houston wins division with defensive weapons |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/video/houston-wins-division-defensive-weapons-234133965.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191214134002/https://sports.yahoo.com/video/houston-wins-division-defensive-weapons-234133965.html |archive-date=December 14, 2019 |access-date=June 25, 2016 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |type=Video |via=Yahoo!}}</ref> Watt earned AFC Defensive Player of the Month for December.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 31, 2014 |title=JJ Watt named AFC Defensive Player of the Month |url=https://abc13.com/jj-watt-texans-afc-defensive-player-of-the-month-houston/456947/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221009041358/https://abc13.com/jj-watt-texans-afc-defensive-player-of-the-month-houston/456947/ |archive-date=October 9, 2022 |access-date=October 9, 2022 |website=ABC13 Houston |language=en}}</ref> Watt finished the season with a career-high five fumble recoveries and scored five total touchdowns (three receiving touchdowns, one interception return touchdown, and one fumble recovery for a touchdown).<ref>{{Cite web |title=J.J. Watt 2014 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/enwiki/w/WattJ.00/gamelog/2014/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180219090134/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/enwiki/w/WattJ.00/gamelog/2014/ |archive-date=February 19, 2018 |access-date=February 18, 2018 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>
+In Week 16, Watt recorded his 54th sack as a Texan on [[Joe Flacco]] in a 25–13 win against the [[2014 Baltimore Ravens season|Baltimore Ravens]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Baltimore Ravens at Houston Texans – December 21st, 2014 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201412210htx.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171231155425/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201412210htx.htm |archive-date=December 31, 2017 |access-date=February 18, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> With that sack, he surpassed [[Mario Williams]] as the franchise leader in sacks. In Week 17, against the [[2014 Jacksonville Jaguars season|Jacksonville Jaguars]], he had three sacks on [[Blake Bortles]], one of which was his first career safety which also gave him 20.5 sacks on the season, becoming the only player in NFL history to have multiple 20-sack seasons.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Houston Texans at Jacksonville Jaguars – December 7th, 2014 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201412070jax.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180216143833/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201412070jax.htm |archive-date=February 16, 2018 |access-date=February 18, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |title=Houston wins division with defensive weapons |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/video/houston-wins-division-defensive-weapons-234133965.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191214134002/https://sports.yahoo.com/video/houston-wins-division-defensive-weapons-234133965.html |archive-date=December 14, 2019 |access-date=June 25, 2016 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |type=Video |via=Yahoo!}}</ref> Watt earned AFC Defensive Player of the Month for December.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 31, 2014 |title=JJ Watt named AFC Defensive Player of the Month |url=https://abc13.com/jj-watt-texans-afc-defensive-player-of-the-month-houston/456947/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221009041358/https://abc13.com/jj-watt-texans-afc-defensive-player-of-the-month-houston/456947/ |archive-date=October 9, 2022 |access-date=October 9, 2022 |website=ABC13 Houston |language=en}}</ref> Watt finished the season with a career-high five fumble recoveries and scored five total touchdowns (three receiving touchdowns, one interception return touchdown, and one fumble recovery for a touchdown).<ref>{{Cite web |title=J.J. Watt 2014 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/enwiki/w/WattJ.00/gamelog/2014/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180219090134/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/enwiki/w/WattJ.00/gamelog/2014/ |archive-date=February 19, 2018 |access-date=February 18, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>
 [[File:J.J. Watt 2014 Pro Bowl.png|thumb|upright|Watt during 2014 Pro Bowl coin toss]]
-For his outstanding season, Watt was unanimously named to the [[2014 All-Pro Team|2014 All-Pro First Team]] as a [[defensive end]] and named to the All-Pro ''second'' team as a [[defensive tackle]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=2014 NFL All-Pros |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2014/allpro.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180125134536/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2014/allpro.htm |archive-date=January 25, 2018 |access-date=October 9, 2022 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> Watt was named to the [[2015 Pro Bowl]], where [[Cris Carter]], team captain of Team Carter, selected Watt to be his captain on defense.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2014 NFL Pro Bowlers |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2014/probowl.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180816061701/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2014/probowl.htm |archive-date=August 16, 2018 |access-date=October 9, 2022 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> He unanimously won the Defensive Player of the Year award, one of a few players to win the award multiple times, and became the first defensive player since [[James Harrison (American football)|James Harrison]] in 2008 to get votes for the MVP award, receiving 13, which was also good enough for second place in the MVP voting behind Packers quarterback [[Aaron Rodgers]], who won the award.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2014 Awards Voting |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/awards_2014.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220605202019/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/awards_2014.htm |archive-date=June 5, 2022 |access-date=October 9, 2022 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ganguli |first=Tania |date=February 1, 2015 |title=MVP voters took note of J.J. Watt's historic season |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/houston-texans/post/_/id/9944/mvp-voters-took-note-of-jj-watts-historic-season |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191213185349/https://www.espn.com/blog/houston-texans/post/_/id/9944/mvp-voters-took-note-of-jj-watts-historic-season |archive-date=December 13, 2019 |access-date=December 13, 2019 |website=ESPN}}</ref> After the season, Watt was named to the top spot in the [[NFL Top 100 Players of 2015]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=2015 NFL Top 100 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2015-nfl-top-100.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220525110036/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2015-nfl-top-100.htm |archive-date=May 25, 2022 |access-date=October 9, 2022 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>
+For his outstanding season, Watt was unanimously named to the [[2014 All-Pro Team|2014 All-Pro First Team]] as a [[defensive end]] and named to the All-Pro ''second'' team as a [[defensive tackle]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=2014 NFL All-Pros |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2014/allpro.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180125134536/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2014/allpro.htm |archive-date=January 25, 2018 |access-date=October 9, 2022 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Watt was named to the [[2015 Pro Bowl]], where [[Cris Carter]], team captain of Team Carter, selected Watt to be his captain on defense.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2014 NFL Pro Bowlers |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2014/probowl.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180816061701/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2014/probowl.htm |archive-date=August 16, 2018 |access-date=October 9, 2022 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> He unanimously won the Defensive Player of the Year award, one of a few players to win the award multiple times, and became the first defensive player since [[James Harrison (American football)|James Harrison]] in 2008 to get votes for the MVP award, receiving 13, which was also good enough for second place in the MVP voting behind Packers quarterback [[Aaron Rodgers]], who won the award.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2014 Awards Voting |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/awards_2014.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220605202019/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/awards_2014.htm |archive-date=June 5, 2022 |access-date=October 9, 2022 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ganguli |first=Tania |date=February 1, 2015 |title=MVP voters took note of J.J. Watt's historic season |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/houston-texans/post/_/id/9944/mvp-voters-took-note-of-jj-watts-historic-season |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191213185349/https://www.espn.com/blog/houston-texans/post/_/id/9944/mvp-voters-took-note-of-jj-watts-historic-season |archive-date=December 13, 2019 |access-date=December 13, 2019 |website=ESPN}}</ref> After the season, Watt was named to the top spot in the [[NFL Top 100 Players of 2015]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=2015 NFL Top 100 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2015-nfl-top-100.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220525110036/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2015-nfl-top-100.htm |archive-date=May 25, 2022 |access-date=October 9, 2022 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>
 ====2015====
-Despite battling a groin injury and a fractured left hand, Watt started all 16 games in 2015 making 76 tackles, an NFL-leading 17.5 sacks, eight passes defended, three forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery. In Week 11, against the [[2015 New York Jets season|New York Jets]], he earned AFC Defensive Player of the Week.<ref>{{Cite web |title=New York Jets at Houston Texans - November 22nd, 2015 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201511220htx.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107083618/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201511220htx.htm |archive-date=November 7, 2017 |access-date=October 9, 2022 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> He earned AFC Defensive Player of the Month for November.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 3, 2015 |title=Watt named AFC Defensive Player of the Month for November |url=https://www.khou.com/article/sports/nfl/texans/jj-watt/watt-named-afc-defensive-player-of-the-month-for-november/285-55392175 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221009042418/https://www.khou.com/article/sports/nfl/texans/jj-watt/watt-named-afc-defensive-player-of-the-month-for-november/285-55392175 |archive-date=October 9, 2022 |access-date=October 9, 2022 |website=khou.com |language=en-US}}</ref> In the regular season finale, against the [[2015 Jacksonville Jaguars season|Jacksonville Jaguars]], Watt had a season-high three sacks to go along with eight total tackles.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Jacksonville Jaguars at Houston Texans – January 3rd, 2016 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201601030htx.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210108032652/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201601030htx.htm |archive-date=January 8, 2021 |access-date=February 18, 2018 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> For his game against Jacksonville, he earned AFC Defensive Player of the Week.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2015 NFL Week 17 Leaders & Scores |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2015/week_17.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221008220819/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2015/week_17.htm |archive-date=October 8, 2022 |access-date=October 8, 2022 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> He was named to the 2015 Pro Bowl, which was his fourth consecutive appearance, and also received his third Defensive Player of the Year award, the only player aside from [[Lawrence Taylor]] and [[Aaron Donald]] to do so.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2015 NFL Pro Bowlers |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2015/probowl.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180308103829/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2015/probowl.htm |archive-date=March 8, 2018 |access-date=October 8, 2022 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Wesseling |first=Chris |date=February 6, 2016 |title=J.J Watt wins third Defensive Player of Year award |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/j-j-watt-wins-third-defensive-player-of-year-award-0ap3000000633340 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221008221042/https://www.nfl.com/news/j-j-watt-wins-third-defensive-player-of-year-award-0ap3000000633340 |archive-date=October 8, 2022 |access-date=October 8, 2022 |website=NFL.com |language=en-US}}</ref> With the Texans finishing the season 9–7, the team clinched an [[AFC South]] division title but were shut out 30–0 by the [[2015 Kansas City Chiefs season|Kansas City Chiefs]] in the [[2015–16 NFL playoffs#AFC: Kansas City Chiefs 30, Houston Texans 0|Wild Card Round]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=2015 Houston Texans Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/htx/2015.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180111165112/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/htx/2015.htm |archive-date=January 11, 2018 |access-date=February 18, 2018 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Wild Card – Kansas City Chiefs at Houston Texans – January 9th, 2016 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201601090htx.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171116035220/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201601090htx.htm |archive-date=November 16, 2017 |access-date=February 18, 2018 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=J.J. Watt 2015 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/enwiki/w/WattJ.00/gamelog/2015/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180219031246/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/enwiki/w/WattJ.00/gamelog/2015/ |archive-date=February 19, 2018 |access-date=February 18, 2018 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> On January 12, 2016, Watt underwent groin surgery for a sports hernia.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ganguli |first=Tania |date=January 12, 2016 |title=J.J. Watt has groin surgery in Philadelphia |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/195743/j-j-watt-has-groin-surgery-in-philadelphia |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191213192414/https://www.espn.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/195743/j-j-watt-has-groin-surgery-in-philadelphia |archive-date=December 13, 2019 |access-date=December 13, 2019 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref> This forced Watt to withdraw from the 2016 Pro Bowl. He earned his fourth straight first-team All-Pro nomination.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2015 NFL All-Pros |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2015/allpro.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180125134542/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2015/allpro.htm |archive-date=January 25, 2018 |access-date=October 8, 2022 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> He was ranked as the top defensive lineman and the third-best player by his fellow players on the [[NFL Top 100 Players of 2016]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=2016 NFL Top 100 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2016-nfl-top-100.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210108032657/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2016-nfl-top-100.htm |archive-date=January 8, 2021 |access-date=January 6, 2022 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>
+Despite battling a groin injury and a fractured left hand, Watt started all 16 games in 2015 making 76 tackles, an NFL-leading 17.5 sacks, eight passes defended, three forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery. In Week 11, against the [[2015 New York Jets season|New York Jets]], he earned AFC Defensive Player of the Week.<ref>{{Cite web |title=New York Jets at Houston Texans - November 22nd, 2015 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201511220htx.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107083618/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201511220htx.htm |archive-date=November 7, 2017 |access-date=October 9, 2022 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> He earned AFC Defensive Player of the Month for November.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 3, 2015 |title=Watt named AFC Defensive Player of the Month for November |url=https://www.khou.com/article/sports/nfl/texans/jj-watt/watt-named-afc-defensive-player-of-the-month-for-november/285-55392175 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221009042418/https://www.khou.com/article/sports/nfl/texans/jj-watt/watt-named-afc-defensive-player-of-the-month-for-november/285-55392175 |archive-date=October 9, 2022 |access-date=October 9, 2022 |website=khou.com |language=en-US}}</ref> In the regular season finale, against the [[2015 Jacksonville Jaguars season|Jacksonville Jaguars]], Watt had a season-high three sacks to go along with eight total tackles.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Jacksonville Jaguars at Houston Texans – January 3rd, 2016 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201601030htx.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210108032652/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201601030htx.htm |archive-date=January 8, 2021 |access-date=February 18, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> For his game against Jacksonville, he earned AFC Defensive Player of the Week.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2015 NFL Week 17 Leaders & Scores |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2015/week_17.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221008220819/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2015/week_17.htm |archive-date=October 8, 2022 |access-date=October 8, 2022 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> He was named to the 2015 Pro Bowl, which was his fourth consecutive appearance, and also received his third Defensive Player of the Year award, the only player aside from [[Lawrence Taylor]] and [[Aaron Donald]] to do so.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2015 NFL Pro Bowlers |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2015/probowl.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180308103829/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2015/probowl.htm |archive-date=March 8, 2018 |access-date=October 8, 2022 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Wesseling |first=Chris |date=February 6, 2016 |title=J.J Watt wins third Defensive Player of Year award |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/j-j-watt-wins-third-defensive-player-of-year-award-0ap3000000633340 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221008221042/https://www.nfl.com/news/j-j-watt-wins-third-defensive-player-of-year-award-0ap3000000633340 |archive-date=October 8, 2022 |access-date=October 8, 2022 |website=NFL.com |language=en-US}}</ref> With the Texans finishing the season 9–7, the team clinched an [[AFC South]] division title but were shut out 30–0 by the [[2015 Kansas City Chiefs season|Kansas City Chiefs]] in the [[2015–16 NFL playoffs#AFC: Kansas City Chiefs 30, Houston Texans 0|Wild Card Round]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=2015 Houston Texans Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/htx/2015.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180111165112/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/htx/2015.htm |archive-date=January 11, 2018 |access-date=February 18, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Wild Card – Kansas City Chiefs at Houston Texans – January 9th, 2016 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201601090htx.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171116035220/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201601090htx.htm |archive-date=November 16, 2017 |access-date=February 18, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=J.J. Watt 2015 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/enwiki/w/WattJ.00/gamelog/2015/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180219031246/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/enwiki/w/WattJ.00/gamelog/2015/ |archive-date=February 19, 2018 |access-date=February 18, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> On January 12, 2016, Watt underwent groin surgery for a sports hernia.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ganguli |first=Tania |date=January 12, 2016 |title=J.J. Watt has groin surgery in Philadelphia |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/195743/j-j-watt-has-groin-surgery-in-philadelphia |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191213192414/https://www.espn.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/195743/j-j-watt-has-groin-surgery-in-philadelphia |archive-date=December 13, 2019 |access-date=December 13, 2019 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref> This forced Watt to withdraw from the 2016 Pro Bowl. He earned his fourth straight first-team All-Pro nomination.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2015 NFL All-Pros |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2015/allpro.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180125134542/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2015/allpro.htm |archive-date=January 25, 2018 |access-date=October 8, 2022 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> He was ranked as the top defensive lineman and the third-best player by his fellow players on the [[NFL Top 100 Players of 2016]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=2016 NFL Top 100 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2016-nfl-top-100.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210108032657/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2016-nfl-top-100.htm |archive-date=January 8, 2021 |access-date=January 6, 2022 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>
 ====2016====
-On July 21, 2016, Watt underwent back surgery for a [[herniated disc]]. He began training camp on the [[Physically unable to perform|PUP]] list, but returned in Week 1 to start the season in a victory over the [[2016 Chicago Bears season|Chicago Bears]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Chicago Bears at Houston Texans – September 11th, 2016 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201609110htx.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180111165044/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201609110htx.htm |archive-date=January 11, 2018 |access-date=February 18, 2018 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Wesseling |first=Chris |date=July 21, 2016 |title=J.J. Watt undergoes surgery to repair herniated disc |url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000676105/article/jj-watt-undergoes-surgery-to-repair-herniated-disc |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191214133956/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000676105/article/jj-watt-undergoes-surgery-to-repair-herniated-disc |archive-date=December 14, 2019 |access-date=December 13, 2019 |website=NFL.com}}</ref> In Week 2, he had 1.5 sacks and five total tackles against the [[2016 Kansas City Chiefs season|Kansas City Chiefs]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kansas City Chiefs at Houston Texans – September 18th, 2016 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201609180htx.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180219094806/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201609180htx.htm |archive-date=February 19, 2018 |access-date=February 18, 2018 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> On September 22, in a game against the [[2016 New England Patriots season|New England Patriots]], Watt recorded two assisted tackles in his final action of the season.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Houston Texans at New England Patriots – September 22nd, 2016 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201609220nwe.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180130040420/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201609220nwe.htm |archive-date=January 30, 2018 |access-date=February 18, 2018 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> On September 28, 2016, he was placed on [[injured reserve]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rieken |first=Kristie |date=September 28, 2016 |title=Texans place star DE JJ Watt on injured reserve |url=https://apnews.com/3bc2ce7253854358a9c4b82db8ecc446 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191213201601/https://apnews.com/3bc2ce7253854358a9c4b82db8ecc446 |archive-date=December 13, 2019 |access-date=December 13, 2019 |website=APNews.com}}</ref> The following day, he underwent back surgery again, and was officially ruled out for the rest of the season after playing three games and recording 1.5 sacks.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 29, 2016 |title=J.J. Watt done for 2016 season after undergoing back surgery |url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000712105/article/jj-watt-done-for-season-after-undergoing-surgery |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191214133956/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000712105/article/jj-watt-done-for-season-after-undergoing-surgery |archive-date=December 14, 2019 |access-date=December 13, 2019 |website=NFL.com}}</ref> Even though Watt played in only three games, he was ranked 35th on the [[NFL Top 100 Players of 2017]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=2017 NFL Top 100 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2017-nfl-top-100.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170929231923/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2017-nfl-top-100.htm |archive-date=September 29, 2017 |access-date=October 8, 2022 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en |type=Video}}</ref>
+On July 21, 2016, Watt underwent back surgery for a [[herniated disc]]. He began training camp on the [[Physically unable to perform|PUP]] list,<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=2016-07-25 |title=Texans star J.J. Watt on PUP list after back surgery |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/2016/07/25/ap-fbn-texans-watt |access-date=2024-06-02 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |language=en-us}}</ref> but returned in Week 1 to start the season in a victory over the [[2016 Chicago Bears season|Chicago Bears]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Chicago Bears at Houston Texans – September 11th, 2016 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201609110htx.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180111165044/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201609110htx.htm |archive-date=January 11, 2018 |access-date=February 18, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Wesseling |first=Chris |date=July 21, 2016 |title=J.J. Watt undergoes surgery to repair herniated disc |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/j-j-watt-undergoes-surgery-to-repair-herniated-disc-0ap3000000676105 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191214133956/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000676105/article/jj-watt-undergoes-surgery-to-repair-herniated-disc |archive-date=December 14, 2019 |access-date=December 13, 2019 |website=NFL.com}}</ref> In Week 2, he had 1.5 sacks and five total tackles against the [[2016 Kansas City Chiefs season|Kansas City Chiefs]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kansas City Chiefs at Houston Texans – September 18th, 2016 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201609180htx.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180219094806/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201609180htx.htm |archive-date=February 19, 2018 |access-date=February 18, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> On September 22, in a game against the [[2016 New England Patriots season|New England Patriots]], Watt recorded two assisted tackles in his final action of the season.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Houston Texans at New England Patriots – September 22nd, 2016 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201609220nwe.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180130040420/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201609220nwe.htm |archive-date=January 30, 2018 |access-date=February 18, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> On September 28, 2016, he was placed on [[injured reserve]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rieken |first=Kristie |date=September 28, 2016 |title=Texans place star DE JJ Watt on injured reserve |url=https://apnews.com/3bc2ce7253854358a9c4b82db8ecc446 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191213201601/https://apnews.com/3bc2ce7253854358a9c4b82db8ecc446 |archive-date=December 13, 2019 |access-date=December 13, 2019 |website=APNews.com}}</ref> The following day, he underwent back surgery again, and was officially ruled out for the rest of the season after playing three games and recording 1.5 sacks.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 29, 2016 |title=J.J. Watt done for 2016 season after undergoing back surgery |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/j-j-watt-done-for-season-after-undergoing-surgery-0ap3000000712105 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191214133956/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000712105/article/jj-watt-done-for-season-after-undergoing-surgery |archive-date=December 14, 2019 |access-date=December 13, 2019 |website=NFL.com}}</ref> Even though Watt played in only three games, he was ranked 35th on the [[NFL Top 100 Players of 2017]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=2017 NFL Top 100 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2017-nfl-top-100.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170929231923/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2017-nfl-top-100.htm |archive-date=September 29, 2017 |access-date=October 8, 2022 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en |type=Video}}</ref>
 ====2017====
-Watt returned from his injury to play in the season opener against the [[2017 Jacksonville Jaguars season|Jacksonville Jaguars]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Jacksonville Jaguars at Houston Texans – September 10th, 2017 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201709100htx.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210108032711/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201709100htx.htm |archive-date=January 8, 2021 |access-date=February 18, 2018 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> During Week 5 against the [[2017 Kansas City Chiefs season|Kansas City Chiefs]] on ''[[NBC Sunday Night Football|Sunday Night Football]]'', Watt left the game after an apparent leg injury. It was later revealed that he suffered a tibial plateau fracture in his left leg.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wilson |first=Aaron |date=October 8, 2017 |title=Texans' J.J. Watt suffers tibial plateau fracture |url=http://www.chron.com/sports/texans/article/Texans-J-J-Watt-injured-Whitney-Mercilus-out-12262568.php |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201030170833/https://www.chron.com/sports/texans/article/Texans-J-J-Watt-injured-Whitney-Mercilus-out-12262568.php |archive-date=October 30, 2020 |access-date=December 4, 2020 |website=Houston Chronicle}}</ref> He underwent surgery the next day and was ruled out the remainder of the season.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Patra |first=Kevin |date=October 9, 2017 |title=J.J. Watt has season-ending surgery to repair fracture |url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000859051/article/jj-watt-has-seasonending-surgery-to-repair-fracture |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200229155117/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000859051/article/jj-watt-has-seasonending-surgery-to-repair-fracture |archive-date=February 29, 2020 |access-date=December 4, 2020 |website=NFL.com}}</ref> In only five games, Watt finished with 11 tackles and two passes defended.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bergman |first=Jeremy |date=October 8, 2017 |title=J.J. Watt out for the season with tibial plateau fracture |url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000858798/article/jj-watt-out-for-season-with-tibial-plateau-fracture |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171009052946/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000858798/article/jj-watt-out-for-season-with-tibial-plateau-fracture |archive-date=October 9, 2017 |access-date=October 9, 2017 |website=NFL.com}}</ref>
+Watt returned from his injury to play in the season opener against the [[2017 Jacksonville Jaguars season|Jacksonville Jaguars]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Jacksonville Jaguars at Houston Texans – September 10th, 2017 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201709100htx.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210108032711/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201709100htx.htm |archive-date=January 8, 2021 |access-date=February 18, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> During Week 5 against the [[2017 Kansas City Chiefs season|Kansas City Chiefs]] on ''[[NBC Sunday Night Football|Sunday Night Football]]'', Watt left the game after an apparent leg injury. It was later revealed that he suffered a tibial plateau fracture in his left leg.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wilson |first=Aaron |date=October 8, 2017 |title=Texans' J.J. Watt suffers tibial plateau fracture |url=http://www.chron.com/sports/texans/article/Texans-J-J-Watt-injured-Whitney-Mercilus-out-12262568.php |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201030170833/https://www.chron.com/sports/texans/article/Texans-J-J-Watt-injured-Whitney-Mercilus-out-12262568.php |archive-date=October 30, 2020 |access-date=December 4, 2020 |website=Houston Chronicle}}</ref> He underwent surgery the next day and was ruled out the remainder of the season.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Patra |first=Kevin |date=October 9, 2017 |title=J.J. Watt has season-ending surgery to repair fracture |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/j-j-watt-has-season-ending-surgery-to-repair-fracture-0ap3000000859051 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200229155117/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000859051/article/jj-watt-has-seasonending-surgery-to-repair-fracture |archive-date=February 29, 2020 |access-date=December 4, 2020 |website=NFL.com}}</ref> In only five games, Watt finished with 11 tackles and two passes defended.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bergman |first=Jeremy |date=October 8, 2017 |title=J.J. Watt out for the season with tibial plateau fracture |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/j-j-watt-out-for-season-with-tibial-plateau-fracture-0ap3000000858798 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171009052946/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000858798/article/jj-watt-out-for-season-with-tibial-plateau-fracture |archive-date=October 9, 2017 |access-date=October 9, 2017 |website=NFL.com}}</ref>
-During the 2017 season, Watt raised upwards of $40 million for relief and recovery efforts for the Houston area after [[Hurricane Harvey]]. The entire sum was raised through an online drive after he donated $100,000 of his own money as the starting base. Watt commented that this season "was always about more than football."<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last=Boren |first=Cindy |date=October 9, 2017 |title='I can't sugarcoat it, I am devastated': J.J. Watt apologizes to Houston after breaking leg |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/early-lead/wp/2017/10/09/i-cant-sugarcoat-it-i-am-devastated-j-j-watt-apologizes-to-houston-after-breaking-leg/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171009163029/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/early-lead/wp/2017/10/09/i-cant-sugarcoat-it-i-am-devastated-j-j-watt-apologizes-to-houston-after-breaking-leg/ |archive-date=October 9, 2017 |access-date=October 9, 2017 |work=[[The Washington Post]] |language=en-US |issn=0190-8286}}</ref> He was co-named ''[[Sports Illustrated]]'' [[Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year|Sportsperson of the Year]] along with [[José Altuve]] of the [[2017 Houston Astros season|Houston Astros]] for 2017 for their humanitarian and leadership efforts.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Klemko |first=Robert |date=December 5, 2017 |title=J.J. Watt Is SI's 2017 Sportsperson of the Year |url=https://www.si.com/sportsperson/2017/12/05/si-sportsperson-of-the-year-jj-watt-houston-texans |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221008220633/https://www.si.com/sportsperson/2017/12/05/si-sportsperson-of-the-year-jj-watt-houston-texans |archive-date=October 8, 2022 |access-date=October 8, 2022 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |language=en-us}}</ref> Watt was also named [[Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award|Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 3, 2018 |title=Complete list of tonight's 'NFL Honors' award winners |url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000913884/article/running-list-of-2018-nfl-honors-award-winners |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180204070422/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000913884/article/running-list-of-2018-nfl-honors-award-winners |archive-date=February 4, 2018 |access-date=February 4, 2018 |website=NFL.com |language=en}}</ref> Despite his limited action, he was ranked 84th by his fellow players on the [[NFL Top 100 Players of 2018]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=2018 NFL Top 100 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2018-nfl-top-100.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220408124716/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2018-nfl-top-100.htm |archive-date=April 8, 2022 |access-date=October 8, 2022 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>
+During the 2017 season, Watt raised upwards of $40 million for relief and recovery efforts for the Houston area after [[Hurricane Harvey]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Patra |first=Kevin |date=August 27, 2018 |title=J.J. Watt: $41.6M in Hurricane Harvey relief shared |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/j-j-watt-41-6m-in-hurricane-harvey-relief-shared-0ap3000000951756 |access-date=2024-06-02 |website=NFL.com |language=en-US}}</ref> The entire sum was raised through an online drive after he donated $100,000 of his own money as the starting base. Watt commented that this season "was always about more than football."<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last=Boren |first=Cindy |date=October 9, 2017 |title='I can't sugarcoat it, I am devastated': J.J. Watt apologizes to Houston after breaking leg |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/early-lead/wp/2017/10/09/i-cant-sugarcoat-it-i-am-devastated-j-j-watt-apologizes-to-houston-after-breaking-leg/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171009163029/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/early-lead/wp/2017/10/09/i-cant-sugarcoat-it-i-am-devastated-j-j-watt-apologizes-to-houston-after-breaking-leg/ |archive-date=October 9, 2017 |access-date=October 9, 2017 |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |language=en-US |issn=0190-8286}}</ref> He was co-named ''[[Sports Illustrated]]'' [[Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year|Sportsperson of the Year]] along with [[Jose Altuve]] of the [[2017 Houston Astros season|Houston Astros]] for 2017 for their humanitarian and leadership efforts.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Klemko |first=Robert |date=December 5, 2017 |title=J.J. Watt Is SI's 2017 Sportsperson of the Year |url=https://www.si.com/sportsperson/2017/12/05/si-sportsperson-of-the-year-jj-watt-houston-texans |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221008220633/https://www.si.com/sportsperson/2017/12/05/si-sportsperson-of-the-year-jj-watt-houston-texans |archive-date=October 8, 2022 |access-date=October 8, 2022 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |language=en-us}}</ref> Watt was also named [[Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award|Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 3, 2018 |title=Complete list of tonight's 'NFL Honors' award winners |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/complete-list-of-nfl-honors-award-winners-0ap3000000913884 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180204070422/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000913884/article/running-list-of-2018-nfl-honors-award-winners |archive-date=February 4, 2018 |access-date=February 4, 2018 |website=NFL.com |language=en}}</ref> Despite his limited action, he was ranked 84th by his fellow players on the [[NFL Top 100 Players of 2018]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=2018 NFL Top 100 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2018-nfl-top-100.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220408124716/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2018-nfl-top-100.htm |archive-date=April 8, 2022 |access-date=October 8, 2022 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>
 ====2018====
-Watt returned from his injury in time for the season opener against the [[2018 New England Patriots season|New England Patriots]]. After being held without a sack in the first two weeks, he collected three sacks and eight combined tackles in the Week 3 27–22 defeat against the [[2018 New York Giants season|New York Giants]], his first sacks since Week 2 of 2016.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sidhu |first=Deepi |date=September 23, 2018 |title=J.J. Watt has historic 3-sack day |url=https://www.houstontexans.com/news/j-j-watt-gets-first-sack-of-2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191225222110/https://www.houstontexans.com/news/j-j-watt-gets-first-sack-of-2018 |archive-date=December 25, 2019 |access-date=December 13, 2019 |website=Houston Texans |language=en-US}}</ref> He followed that up with two sacks the following week in the OT win against the [[2018 Indianapolis Colts season|Indianapolis Colts]]. He was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Month for the month of September after recording five sacks, 20 tackles, and four forced fumbles.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 4, 2018 |title=Khalil Mack, J.J. Watt among Players of the Month |url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000969926/article/khalil-mack-jj-watt-among-players-of-the-month |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191003110004/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000969926/article/khalil-mack-jj-watt-among-players-of-the-month |archive-date=October 3, 2019 |access-date=December 14, 2019 |website=NFL.com}}</ref> In Week 12, Watt recorded nine tackles, 1.5 sacks, and a forced fumble in a 34–17 win over the [[2018 Tennessee Titans season|Tennessee Titans]], earning him AFC Defensive Player of the Week.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 28, 2018 |title=Philip Rivers, Amari Cooper among Players of the Week |url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000993457/article/philip-rivers-amari-cooper-among-players-of-the-week |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191231021240/https://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000993457/article/philip-rivers-amari-cooper-among-players-of-the-week |archive-date=December 31, 2019 |website=NFL.com}}</ref> After only recording 1.5 sacks in his previous two injury-plagued seasons, Watt finished the season with 16 sacks, second in the league behind [[Aaron Donald]], and was named a First-team All-Pro for the fifth time in his career.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Wood |first=Anthony R. |date=January 4, 2019 |title=Texans DE J.J. Watt makes All-Pro in comeback season |url=https://texanswire.usatoday.com/2019/01/04/texans-de-j-j-watt-first-team-all-pro/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191214133956/https://texanswire.usatoday.com/2019/01/04/texans-de-j-j-watt-first-team-all-pro/ |archive-date=December 14, 2019 |access-date=December 14, 2019 |website=Texans Wire |language=en}}</ref> He was named to his fifth Pro Bowl for his 2018 season.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2018 NFL Pro Bowlers |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2018/probowl.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220619205452/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2018/probowl.htm |archive-date=June 19, 2022 |access-date=October 9, 2022 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> Watt became the second player to record four seasons with at least 15 sacks since the sack became an official statistic in 1982 ([[Reggie White]] had five such seasons).<ref name=":1" /> He was ranked 12th by his fellow players on the [[NFL Top 100 Players of 2019]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=2019 NFL Top 100 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2019-nfl-top-100.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220511024217/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2019-nfl-top-100.htm |archive-date=May 11, 2022 |access-date=October 8, 2022 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>
+Watt returned from his injury in time for the season opener against the [[2018 New England Patriots season|New England Patriots]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Alper |first=Josh |date=2018-08-14 |title=J.J. Watt has "no doubt" about Week 1, won't share other expectations |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/j-j-watt-has-no-doubt-about-week-1-wont-share-other-expectations |access-date=2024-06-02 |website=NBC Sports |language=en-US}}</ref> After being held without a sack in the first two weeks, he collected three sacks and eight combined tackles in the Week 3 27–22 defeat against the [[2018 New York Giants season|New York Giants]], his first sacks since Week 2 of 2016.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sidhu |first=Deepi |date=September 23, 2018 |title=J.J. Watt has historic 3-sack day |url=https://www.houstontexans.com/news/j-j-watt-gets-first-sack-of-2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191225222110/https://www.houstontexans.com/news/j-j-watt-gets-first-sack-of-2018 |archive-date=December 25, 2019 |access-date=December 13, 2019 |website=Houston Texans |language=en-US}}</ref> He followed that up with two sacks the following week in the OT win against the [[2018 Indianapolis Colts season|Indianapolis Colts]]. He was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Month for the month of September after recording five sacks, 20 tackles, and four forced fumbles.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 4, 2018 |title=Khalil Mack, J.J. Watt among Players of the Month |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/khalil-mack-j-j-watt-among-players-of-the-month-0ap3000000969926 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191003110004/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000969926/article/khalil-mack-jj-watt-among-players-of-the-month |archive-date=October 3, 2019 |access-date=December 14, 2019 |website=NFL.com}}</ref> In Week 12, Watt recorded nine tackles, 1.5 sacks, and a forced fumble in a 34–17 win over the [[2018 Tennessee Titans season|Tennessee Titans]], earning him AFC Defensive Player of the Week.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 28, 2018 |title=Philip Rivers, Amari Cooper among Players of the Week |url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000993457/article/philip-rivers-amari-cooper-among-players-of-the-week |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191231021240/https://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000993457/article/philip-rivers-amari-cooper-among-players-of-the-week |archive-date=December 31, 2019 |website=NFL.com}}</ref> After only recording 1.5 sacks in his previous two injury-plagued seasons, Watt finished the season with 16 sacks, second in the league behind [[Aaron Donald]], and was named a First-team All-Pro for the fifth time in his career.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Wood |first=Anthony R. |date=January 4, 2019 |title=Texans DE J.J. Watt makes All-Pro in comeback season |url=https://texanswire.usatoday.com/2019/01/04/texans-de-j-j-watt-first-team-all-pro/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191214133956/https://texanswire.usatoday.com/2019/01/04/texans-de-j-j-watt-first-team-all-pro/ |archive-date=December 14, 2019 |access-date=December 14, 2019 |website=Texans Wire |language=en}}</ref> He was named to his fifth Pro Bowl for his 2018 season.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2018 NFL Pro Bowlers |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2018/probowl.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220619205452/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2018/probowl.htm |archive-date=June 19, 2022 |access-date=October 9, 2022 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Watt became the second player to record four seasons with at least 15 sacks since the sack became an official statistic in 1982 ([[Reggie White]] had five such seasons).<ref name=":1" /> He was ranked 12th by his fellow players on the [[NFL Top 100 Players of 2019]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=2019 NFL Top 100 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2019-nfl-top-100.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220511024217/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2019-nfl-top-100.htm |archive-date=May 11, 2022 |access-date=October 8, 2022 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>
 ====2019====
-In the season-opener against the [[2019 New Orleans Saints season|New Orleans Saints]], Watt recorded no tackles and no quarterback hits in the narrow 30–28 loss. This was the first time in 105 career games that he was held to these numbers.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 9, 2019 |title=Lutz's 58-yard field goal lifts Saints over Texans, 30–28 |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401128021 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191227103301/https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401128021 |archive-date=December 27, 2019 |access-date=December 14, 2019 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Johnson |first=Luke |date=September 10, 2019 |title=Through preparation, teamwork and execution of a vision, Ryan Ramczyk shut out J.J. Watt |url=https://www.theadvertiser.com/story/sports/nfl/saints/2019/09/10/saints-ryan-ramczyk-aced-j-j-watt-test-monday-night/2278792001/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230417205640/https://www.theadvertiser.com/story/sports/nfl/saints/2019/09/10/saints-ryan-ramczyk-aced-j-j-watt-test-monday-night/2278792001/ |archive-date=April 17, 2023 |access-date=December 14, 2019 |website=TheAdvertiser.com}}</ref> Two weeks later against the [[2019 Los Angeles Chargers season|Los Angeles Chargers]], Watt sacked [[Philip Rivers]] twice in the 27–20 road victory.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 22, 2019 |title=Watson, Watt lead way as Texans outlast Chargers, 27–20 |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401127970 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191228142209/https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401127970 |archive-date=December 28, 2019 |access-date=December 14, 2019 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}}</ref> During Week 8 against the [[2019 Oakland Raiders season|Oakland Raiders]], Watt suffered a season-ending torn pectoral; the Texans went on to win 27–24.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Patra |first=Kevin |date=October 28, 2019 |title=J.J. Watt to undergo surgery on torn pec this week |url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001070750/article/jj-watt-to-undergo-surgery-on-torn-pec-this-week |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191209004904/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001070750/article/jj-watt-to-undergo-surgery-on-torn-pec-this-week |archive-date=December 9, 2019 |access-date=December 14, 2019 |website=NFL.com}}</ref> He was placed on injured reserve three days later.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 30, 2019 |title=Texans sign CB Briean Boddy-Calhoun, place J.J. Watt on IR |url=https://www.houstontexans.com/news/texans-sign-cb-briean-boddy-calhoun-place-j-j-watt-on-ir |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191231022658/https://www.houstontexans.com/news/texans-sign-cb-briean-boddy-calhoun-place-j-j-watt-on-ir |archive-date=December 31, 2019 |access-date=December 14, 2019 |website=HoustonTexans.com}}</ref>
+In the season-opener against the [[2019 New Orleans Saints season|New Orleans Saints]], Watt recorded no tackles and no quarterback hits in the narrow 30–28 loss. This was the first time in 105 career games that he was held to these numbers.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 9, 2019 |title=Lutz's 58-yard field goal lifts Saints over Texans, 30–28 |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401128021 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191227103301/https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401128021 |archive-date=December 27, 2019 |access-date=December 14, 2019 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Johnson |first=Luke |date=September 10, 2019 |title=Through preparation, teamwork and execution of a vision, Ryan Ramczyk shut out J.J. Watt |url=https://www.theadvertiser.com/story/sports/nfl/saints/2019/09/10/saints-ryan-ramczyk-aced-j-j-watt-test-monday-night/2278792001/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230417205640/https://www.theadvertiser.com/story/sports/nfl/saints/2019/09/10/saints-ryan-ramczyk-aced-j-j-watt-test-monday-night/2278792001/ |archive-date=April 17, 2023 |access-date=December 14, 2019 |website=TheAdvertiser.com}}</ref> Two weeks later against the [[2019 Los Angeles Chargers season|Los Angeles Chargers]], Watt sacked [[Philip Rivers]] twice in the 27–20 road victory.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 22, 2019 |title=Watson, Watt lead way as Texans outlast Chargers, 27–20 |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401127970 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191228142209/https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401127970 |archive-date=December 28, 2019 |access-date=December 14, 2019 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}}</ref> During Week 8 against the [[2019 Oakland Raiders season|Oakland Raiders]], Watt suffered a season-ending torn pectoral; the Texans went on to win 27–24.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Patra |first=Kevin |date=October 28, 2019 |title=J.J. Watt to undergo surgery on torn pec this week |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/j-j-watt-to-undergo-surgery-on-torn-pec-this-week-0ap3000001070750 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191209004904/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001070750/article/jj-watt-to-undergo-surgery-on-torn-pec-this-week |archive-date=December 9, 2019 |access-date=December 14, 2019 |website=NFL.com}}</ref> He was placed on injured reserve three days later.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 30, 2019 |title=Texans sign CB Briean Boddy-Calhoun, place J.J. Watt on IR |url=https://www.houstontexans.com/news/texans-sign-cb-briean-boddy-calhoun-place-j-j-watt-on-ir |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191231022658/https://www.houstontexans.com/news/texans-sign-cb-briean-boddy-calhoun-place-j-j-watt-on-ir |archive-date=December 31, 2019 |access-date=December 14, 2019 |website=HoustonTexans.com}}</ref>
-Watt was designated for return from injured reserve on December 24 and began practicing with the team again.<ref>{{Cite news |date=December 24, 2019 |title=J.J. Watt returns to practice for Texans |url=https://www.houstontexans.com/news/j-j-watt-returns-to-practice-for-texans |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191225151623/https://www.houstontexans.com/news/j-j-watt-returns-to-practice-for-texans |archive-date=December 25, 2019 |access-date=December 25, 2019 |work=HoustonTexans.com}}</ref> He was activated on December 31, 2019, prior to the team's [[2019–20 NFL playoffs#AFC: Houston Texans 22, Buffalo Bills 19 (OT)|Wild Card Round]] game against the [[2019 Buffalo Bills season|Buffalo Bills]]. During the game, Watt sacked [[Josh Allen]] once during the 22–19 overtime win. This sack forced the Bills, who were up 13–0 at the time, to settle for a field goal rather than a touchdown, allowing the Texans to get back in the game and eventually win it in overtime.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 4, 2020 |title=Texans roar past Bills for 22–19 win in OT |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401131037 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200108062544/https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401131037 |archive-date=January 8, 2020 |access-date=January 4, 2020 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}}</ref> He was ranked 45th by his fellow players on the [[NFL Top 100 Players of 2020]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=2020 NFL Top 100 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2020-nfl-top-100.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220408124719/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2020-nfl-top-100.htm |archive-date=April 8, 2022 |access-date=October 8, 2022 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> He was named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame All-Decade Team for the 2010s.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pro Football Hall of Fame All-Decade Teams - 2010s |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220505030719/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/pfhof_all_decade_2010.htm |archive-date=May 5, 2022 |access-date=October 8, 2022 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>
+Watt was designated for return from injured reserve on December 24 and began practicing with the team again.<ref>{{Cite news |date=December 24, 2019 |title=J.J. Watt returns to practice for Texans |url=https://www.houstontexans.com/news/j-j-watt-returns-to-practice-for-texans |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191225151623/https://www.houstontexans.com/news/j-j-watt-returns-to-practice-for-texans |archive-date=December 25, 2019 |access-date=December 25, 2019 |work=HoustonTexans.com}}</ref> He was activated on December 31, 2019, prior to the team's [[2019–20 NFL playoffs#AFC: Houston Texans 22, Buffalo Bills 19 (OT)|Wild Card Round]] game against the [[2019 Buffalo Bills season|Buffalo Bills]]. During the game, Watt sacked [[Josh Allen]] once during the 22–19 overtime win. This sack forced the Bills, who were up 13–0 at the time, to settle for a field goal rather than a touchdown, allowing the Texans to get back in the game and eventually win it in overtime.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 4, 2020 |title=Texans roar past Bills for 22–19 win in OT |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401131037 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200108062544/https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401131037 |archive-date=January 8, 2020 |access-date=January 4, 2020 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}}</ref> He was ranked 45th by his fellow players on the [[NFL Top 100 Players of 2020]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=2020 NFL Top 100 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2020-nfl-top-100.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220408124719/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2020-nfl-top-100.htm |archive-date=April 8, 2022 |access-date=October 8, 2022 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> He was named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame All-Decade Team for the 2010s.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pro Football Hall of Fame All-Decade Teams - 2010s |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220505030719/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/pfhof_all_decade_2010.htm |archive-date=May 5, 2022 |access-date=October 8, 2022 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>
 ====2020====
-In Week 2 against the [[2020 Baltimore Ravens season|Baltimore Ravens]], Watt recorded his first two sacks of the season on [[Lamar Jackson]] during the 16–33 loss.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 20, 2020 |title=Ravens extend regular-season run, dominate Texans 33–16 |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401220181 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201003185001/https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401220181 |archive-date=October 3, 2020 |access-date=September 20, 2020 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}}</ref> In Week 6 against the [[2020 Tennessee Titans season|Tennessee Titans]], Watt recorded his 99th career sack on [[Ryan Tannehill]], a strip sack that was recovered by the Texans, during the 42–36 overtime loss.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Houston Texans at Tennessee Titans – October 18th, 2020 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202010180oti.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028204836/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202010180oti.htm |archive-date=October 28, 2020 |access-date=October 20, 2020 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> In Week 9 against the [[2020 Jacksonville Jaguars season|Jacksonville Jaguars]], Watt recorded his 100th career sack on rookie quarterback [[Jake Luton]] during the 27–25 win.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Houston Texans at Jacksonville Jaguars – November 8th, 2020 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202011080jax.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115121818/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202011080jax.htm |archive-date=November 15, 2020 |access-date=November 13, 2020 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> He became the fifth-fastest player to reach the milestone.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Barshop |first=Sarah |date=November 8, 2020 |title=Texans DE Watt fifth-fastest to notch 100 sacks |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/30280274/jj-watt-notches-100th-career-sack-becoming-fifth-fastest-player-nfl-history-reach-milestone |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220106201042/https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/30280274/jj-watt-notches-100th-career-sack-becoming-fifth-fastest-player-nfl-history-reach-milestone |archive-date=January 6, 2022 |access-date=January 6, 2022 |website=ESPN |language=en}}</ref> In Week 12, against the [[2020 Detroit Lions season|Detroit Lions]], Watt intercepted a pass thrown by [[Matthew Stafford]] and returned it for a 19-yard touchdown during the 41–25 win. It was Watt's third career pick-six and his first touchdown since 2014.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Houston Texans at Detroit Lions – November 26th, 2020 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202011260det.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210111214521/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202011260det.htm |archive-date=January 11, 2021 |access-date=December 4, 2020 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> In Week 13 against the [[2020 Indianapolis Colts season|Indianapolis Colts]], Watt recorded a sack on [[Philip Rivers]] during the 26–20 loss. It would ultimately turn out to be Watt's final sack in a Texans uniform.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 6, 2020 |title=Rivers, defense help Colts to 26-20 win over Houston Texans |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401220178 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929194155/https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401220178 |archive-date=September 29, 2021 |access-date=September 29, 2021 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}}</ref>
+In Week 2 against the [[2020 Baltimore Ravens season|Baltimore Ravens]], Watt recorded his first two sacks of the season on [[Lamar Jackson]] during the 16–33 loss.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 20, 2020 |title=Ravens extend regular-season run, dominate Texans 33–16 |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401220181 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201003185001/https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401220181 |archive-date=October 3, 2020 |access-date=September 20, 2020 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}}</ref> In Week 6 against the [[2020 Tennessee Titans season|Tennessee Titans]], Watt recorded his 99th career sack on [[Ryan Tannehill]], a strip sack that was recovered by the Texans, during the 42–36 overtime loss.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Houston Texans at Tennessee Titans – October 18th, 2020 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202010180oti.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028204836/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202010180oti.htm |archive-date=October 28, 2020 |access-date=October 20, 2020 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> In Week 9 against the [[2020 Jacksonville Jaguars season|Jacksonville Jaguars]], Watt recorded his 100th career sack on rookie quarterback [[Jake Luton]] during the 27–25 win.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Houston Texans at Jacksonville Jaguars – November 8th, 2020 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202011080jax.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115121818/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202011080jax.htm |archive-date=November 15, 2020 |access-date=November 13, 2020 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> He became the fifth-fastest player to reach the milestone.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Barshop |first=Sarah |date=November 8, 2020 |title=Texans DE Watt fifth-fastest to notch 100 sacks |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/30280274/jj-watt-notches-100th-career-sack-becoming-fifth-fastest-player-nfl-history-reach-milestone |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220106201042/https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/30280274/jj-watt-notches-100th-career-sack-becoming-fifth-fastest-player-nfl-history-reach-milestone |archive-date=January 6, 2022 |access-date=January 6, 2022 |website=ESPN |language=en}}</ref> In Week 12, on [[NFL on Thanksgiving Day|Thanksgiving]] against the [[2020 Detroit Lions season|Detroit Lions]], Watt intercepted a pass thrown by [[Matthew Stafford]] and returned it for a 19-yard touchdown during the 41–25 win. It was Watt's third career pick-six and his first touchdown since 2014.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Houston Texans at Detroit Lions – November 26th, 2020 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202011260det.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210111214521/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202011260det.htm |archive-date=January 11, 2021 |access-date=December 4, 2020 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> In Week 13 against the [[2020 Indianapolis Colts season|Indianapolis Colts]], Watt recorded a sack on [[Philip Rivers]] during the 26–20 loss. It would ultimately turn out to be Watt's final sack in a Texans uniform.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 6, 2020 |title=Rivers, defense help Colts to 26-20 win over Houston Texans |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401220178 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929194155/https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401220178 |archive-date=September 29, 2021 |access-date=September 29, 2021 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}}</ref>
-On February 12, 2021, Watt requested and was granted his release from the Texans.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Patra |first=Kevin |date=February 12, 2021 |title=End of an era: Houston Texans releasing 3-time DPOY J.J. Watt |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/end-of-an-era-houston-texans-releasing-3-time-dpoy-j-j-watt |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220122115006/https://www.nfl.com/news/end-of-an-era-houston-texans-releasing-3-time-dpoy-j-j-watt |archive-date=January 22, 2022 |access-date=January 6, 2022 |website=NFL.com}}</ref> He was ranked 66th by his fellow players on the [[NFL Top 100 Players of 2021]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=2021 NFL Top 100 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2021-nfl-top-100.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211115200023/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2021-nfl-top-100.htm |archive-date=November 15, 2021 |access-date=October 8, 2022 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>
+On February 12, 2021, Watt requested and was granted his release from the Texans.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Patra |first=Kevin |date=February 12, 2021 |title=End of an era: Houston Texans releasing 3-time DPOY J.J. Watt |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/end-of-an-era-houston-texans-releasing-3-time-dpoy-j-j-watt |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220122115006/https://www.nfl.com/news/end-of-an-era-houston-texans-releasing-3-time-dpoy-j-j-watt |archive-date=January 22, 2022 |access-date=January 6, 2022 |website=NFL.com}}</ref> He was ranked 66th by his fellow players on the [[NFL Top 100 Players of 2021]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=2021 NFL Top 100 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2021-nfl-top-100.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211115200023/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2021-nfl-top-100.htm |archive-date=November 15, 2021 |access-date=October 8, 2022 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>
 ==== Houston Texans Ring of Honor ====
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 Despite experiencing [[atrial fibrillation]] on September 28, 2022, and having his heart [[Cardioversion|shocked back in rhythm]] in a planned procedure the next day, Watt committed to play in Week 4.<ref name="CBSAfib" /><ref name="healthTweet" /> Watt announced on December 27 that he would retire at the end of the season.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Michael David |date=December 27, 2022 |title=J.J. Watt announces retirement, says Sunday was "My last ever NFL home game" |url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2022/12/27/j-j-watt-announces-retirement-says-sunday-was-my-last-ever-nfl-home-game/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221227160259/https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2022/12/27/j-j-watt-announces-retirement-says-sunday-was-my-last-ever-nfl-home-game/ |archive-date=December 27, 2022 |access-date=December 27, 2022 |website=ProFootballTalk}}</ref> In his final game against the [[2022 San Francisco 49ers season|San Francisco 49ers]], Watt recorded two sacks in the Cardinals' loss.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Patra |first=Kevin |date=January 9, 2023 |title=J.J. Watt on retirement: 'I know I still can (play), I'm just choosing not to' |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/j-j-watt-on-retirement-i-know-i-still-can-play-i-m-just-choosing-not-to |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230109131800/https://www.nfl.com/news/j-j-watt-on-retirement-i-know-i-still-can-play-i-m-just-choosing-not-to |archive-date=January 9, 2023 |access-date=January 9, 2023 |website=NFL.com}}</ref>
-Watt finished his final season with 39 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks, and one forced fumble in 16 games played.<ref>{{Cite web |title=J.J. Watt 2022 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/enwiki/w/WattJ.00/gamelog/2022/ |access-date=February 11, 2024 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>
+Watt finished his final season with 39 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks, and one forced fumble in 16 games played.<ref>{{Cite web |title=J.J. Watt 2022 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/enwiki/w/WattJ.00/gamelog/2022/ |access-date=February 11, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>
 ==Personal life==
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 On July 22, 2015, Watt was named the vice-president of Power Relations for Reliant. Reliant is a retail electric provider in Texas, also a subsidiary of [[NRG Energy]] Inc.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Clements |first=Ron |date=July 22, 2015 |title=Texans DE J.J. Watt has a new job: VP of Power Relations |url=https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/texans-de-jj-watt-has-a-new-job-vp-of-power-relations-reliant-energy/1we08cgmm3ark1f180cb5607s5 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220106195900/https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/texans-de-jj-watt-has-a-new-job-vp-of-power-relations-reliant-energy/1we08cgmm3ark1f180cb5607s5 |archive-date=January 6, 2022 |access-date=January 6, 2022 |website=Sporting News}}</ref>
-On February 15, 2018, [[Baylor College of Medicine]] announced that Watt would receive an [[honorary degree]] from their medical school.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Greco, Daniel |date=February 15, 2018 |title=J.J. Watt to Receive an Honorary Degree From Baylor College of Medicine |url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000916457/article/jj-watt-to-receive-an-honorary-degree-from-baylor-university |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191229214659/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000916457/article/jj-watt-to-receive-an-honorary-degree-from-baylor-university |archive-date=December 29, 2019 |access-date=February 16, 2018 |website=NFL.com}}</ref> On May 29, 2018, he received the degree of Doctor of Humanities in Medicine.<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 30, 2018 |title=J.J. Watt awarded honorary degree at 2018 Baylor College of Medicine commencement |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9JNg1I60lE |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200830144905/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9JNg1I60lE&gl=US&hl=en |archive-date=August 30, 2020 |access-date=September 24, 2018 |website=YouTube |publisher=Baylor College of Medicine}}</ref>
+On February 15, 2018, [[Baylor College of Medicine]] announced that Watt would receive an [[honorary degree]] from their medical school.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Greco, Daniel |date=February 15, 2018 |title=J.J. Watt to Receive an Honorary Degree From Baylor College of Medicine |url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000916457/article/jj-watt-to-receive-an-honorary-degree-from-baylor-university |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191229214659/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000916457/article/jj-watt-to-receive-an-honorary-degree-from-baylor-university |archive-date=December 29, 2019 |access-date=February 16, 2018 |website=NFL.com}}</ref> On May 29, 2018, he received the degree of Doctor of Humanities in Medicine.<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 30, 2018 |title=J.J. Watt awarded honorary degree at 2018 Baylor College of Medicine commencement |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9JNg1I60lE |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200830144905/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9JNg1I60lE&gl=US&hl=en |archive-date=August 30, 2020 |access-date=September 24, 2018 |website=YouTube |publisher=Baylor College of Medicine}}</ref>
 Watt is the older brother of former fullback [[Derek Watt]] and [[Pittsburgh Steelers]] linebacker [[T. J. Watt]], both of whom were teammates in Pittsburgh from 2020 to 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Heyen |first=Billy |date=November 26, 2020 |title=Meet J.J. Watt's brothers: T.J., Derek follow in family's NFL footsteps with Steelers |url=https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/watt-brothers-jj-tj-derek-nfl-family/2kmqzl2aqtw819r446ckrearo |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201202035040/https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/watt-brothers-jj-tj-derek-nfl-family/2kmqzl2aqtw819r446ckrearo |archive-date=December 2, 2020 |access-date=December 4, 2020 |website=www.sportingnews.com |language=en}}</ref>
-Since 2016, Watt has been in a relationship with professional soccer player [[Kealia Watt|Kealia Ohai]]. In 2019, they became engaged.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chiappelli |first=Kristie |date=April 23, 2018 |title=J.J. Watt sends love to Kealia Ohai ahead of return from ACL injury |url=http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/news/jj-watt-twitter-kealia-ohai-return-injury-houston-dash-texans/u0kxie5hn2841mvlso67otshb |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180628233443/http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/news/jj-watt-twitter-kealia-ohai-return-injury-houston-dash-texans/u0kxie5hn2841mvlso67otshb |archive-date=June 28, 2018 |access-date=December 4, 2020 |website=www.sportingnews.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Thompson |first=Dana |date=October 28, 2016 |title=Houston Dash player Kealia Ohai confirms she's dating J.J. Watt |url=https://www.chron.com/sports/texans/article/Dash-player-Kealia-Ohai-admits-she-s-dating-J-J-10418946.php |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327090402/https://www.chron.com/sports/texans/article/Dash-player-Kealia-Ohai-admits-she-s-dating-J-J-10418946.php |archive-date=March 27, 2019 |access-date=March 10, 2019 |website=Houston Chronicle}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Duaine Hahn |first=Jason |date=May 26, 2019 |title=Houston Texans Star JJ Watt Is Engaged to Kealia Ohai: 'I'm the Luckiest Man in the World' |url=https://people.com/sports/jj-watt-engaged-to-kealia-ohai/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190527085159/https://people.com/sports/jj-watt-engaged-to-kealia-ohai/ |archive-date=May 27, 2019 |access-date=May 26, 2019 |publisher=[[People (magazine)|People]]}}</ref> Watt and Ohai were married on February 15, 2020, in the [[Bahamas]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kimble |first=Lindsay |date=February 15, 2020 |title=JJ Watt Ties the Knot! NFL Star Marries Kealia Ohai in the Bahamas — See Her Dress! |url=https://people.com/sports/jj-watt-marries-kealia-ohai/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200216041825/https://people.com/sports/jj-watt-marries-kealia-ohai/ |archive-date=February 16, 2020 |access-date=February 15, 2020 |work=[[People (magazine)|People]]}}</ref> In October 2022, the couple had a son.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kuhagen |first=Christopher |date=October 25, 2022 |title=J.J. Watt and Kealia Watt announce the birth of son, share photo of family on social media |url=https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/nfl/2022/10/26/j-j-watt-kealia-watt-announce-birth-of-son-koa-james/69591276007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221124043259/https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/nfl/2022/10/26/j-j-watt-kealia-watt-announce-birth-of-son-koa-james/69591276007/ |archive-date=November 24, 2022 |access-date=November 23, 2022 |website=Milwaukee Journal Sentinel}}</ref>
+Since 2016, Watt has been in a relationship with now former professional soccer player [[Kealia Watt|Kealia Ohai]]. In 2019, they became engaged.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chiappelli |first=Kristie |date=April 23, 2018 |title=J.J. Watt sends love to Kealia Ohai ahead of return from ACL injury |url=http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/news/jj-watt-twitter-kealia-ohai-return-injury-houston-dash-texans/u0kxie5hn2841mvlso67otshb |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180628233443/http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/news/jj-watt-twitter-kealia-ohai-return-injury-houston-dash-texans/u0kxie5hn2841mvlso67otshb |archive-date=June 28, 2018 |access-date=December 4, 2020 |website=www.sportingnews.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Thompson |first=Dana |date=October 28, 2016 |title=Houston Dash player Kealia Ohai confirms she's dating J.J. Watt |url=https://www.chron.com/sports/texans/article/Dash-player-Kealia-Ohai-admits-she-s-dating-J-J-10418946.php |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327090402/https://www.chron.com/sports/texans/article/Dash-player-Kealia-Ohai-admits-she-s-dating-J-J-10418946.php |archive-date=March 27, 2019 |access-date=March 10, 2019 |website=Houston Chronicle}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Duaine Hahn |first=Jason |date=May 26, 2019 |title=Houston Texans Star JJ Watt Is Engaged to Kealia Ohai: 'I'm the Luckiest Man in the World' |url=https://people.com/sports/jj-watt-engaged-to-kealia-ohai/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190527085159/https://people.com/sports/jj-watt-engaged-to-kealia-ohai/ |archive-date=May 27, 2019 |access-date=May 26, 2019 |publisher=[[People (magazine)|People]]}}</ref> Watt and Ohai were married on February 15, 2020, in the [[Bahamas]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kimble |first=Lindsay |date=February 15, 2020 |title=JJ Watt Ties the Knot! NFL Star Marries Kealia Ohai in the Bahamas — See Her Dress! |url=https://people.com/sports/jj-watt-marries-kealia-ohai/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200216041825/https://people.com/sports/jj-watt-marries-kealia-ohai/ |archive-date=February 16, 2020 |access-date=February 15, 2020 |work=[[People (magazine)|People]]}}</ref> In October 2022, the couple had a son.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kuhagen |first=Christopher |date=October 25, 2022 |title=J.J. Watt and Kealia Watt announce the birth of son, share photo of family on social media |url=https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/nfl/2022/10/26/j-j-watt-kealia-watt-announce-birth-of-son-koa-james/69591276007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221124043259/https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/nfl/2022/10/26/j-j-watt-kealia-watt-announce-birth-of-son-koa-james/69591276007/ |archive-date=November 24, 2022 |access-date=November 23, 2022 |website=Milwaukee Journal Sentinel}}</ref>
-Watt was named the Grand Marshal of the [[2019 Daytona 500]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wilson |first=Aaron |date=February 12, 2019 |title=J.J. Watt named grand marshal of Daytona 500 |url=https://www.chron.com/sports/texans/article/Texans-J-J-Watt-named-grand-marshal-of-Daytona-500-13609852.php |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190213124708/https://www.chron.com/sports/texans/article/Texans-J-J-Watt-named-grand-marshal-of-Daytona-500-13609852.php |archive-date=February 13, 2019 |access-date=February 12, 2019 |website=Chron.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=February 17, 2019 |title=Julian Edelman, J.J. Watt honored at Daytona 500 |url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001018148/article/julian-edelman-jj-watt-honored-at-daytona-500 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191224123753/https://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001018148/article/julian-edelman-jj-watt-honored-at-daytona-500 |archive-date=December 24, 2019 |access-date=February 17, 2019 |website=NFL.com |agency=Associated Press}}</ref> On February 1, 2020, Watt hosted ''[[Saturday Night Live]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gordon |first=Grant |date=February 1, 2020 |title=Live from New York, Texans' J.J. Watt sacks 'SNL' |url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001100486/article/live-from-new-york-texans-jj-watt-sacks-snl |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200202123051/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001100486/article/live-from-new-york-texans-jj-watt-sacks-snl |archive-date=February 2, 2020 |access-date=February 2, 2020 |website=NFL.com |language=en}}</ref>
+Watt was named the Grand Marshal of the [[2019 Daytona 500]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wilson |first=Aaron |date=February 12, 2019 |title=J.J. Watt named grand marshal of Daytona 500 |url=https://www.chron.com/sports/texans/article/Texans-J-J-Watt-named-grand-marshal-of-Daytona-500-13609852.php |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190213124708/https://www.chron.com/sports/texans/article/Texans-J-J-Watt-named-grand-marshal-of-Daytona-500-13609852.php |archive-date=February 13, 2019 |access-date=February 12, 2019 |website=Chron.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=February 17, 2019 |title=Julian Edelman, J.J. Watt honored at Daytona 500 |url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001018148/article/julian-edelman-jj-watt-honored-at-daytona-500 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191224123753/https://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001018148/article/julian-edelman-jj-watt-honored-at-daytona-500 |archive-date=December 24, 2019 |access-date=February 17, 2019 |website=NFL.com |agency=Associated Press}}</ref> On February 1, 2020, Watt hosted ''[[Saturday Night Live]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gordon |first=Grant |date=February 1, 2020 |title=Live from New York, Texans' J.J. Watt sacks 'SNL' |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/live-from-new-york-texans-j-j-watt-sacks-snl-0ap3000001100486 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200202123051/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001100486/article/live-from-new-york-texans-jj-watt-sacks-snl |archive-date=February 2, 2020 |access-date=February 2, 2020 |website=NFL.com |language=en}}</ref>
 In 2020, Watt and his brothers began hosting the [[Fox Broadcasting Company|Fox]] game show ''[[Ultimate Tag]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sciullo |first=Maria |date=May 15, 2020 |title='Ultimate Tag' is definitely 'it' for NFL's Watt brothers |url=https://www.post-gazette.com/ae/tv-radio/2020/05/15/Steelers-Texans-JJ-Watt-TJ-Watt-Derek-Watt-Fox-Ultimate-Tag-show/stories/202005150002 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200521170408/https://www.post-gazette.com/ae/tv-radio/2020/05/15/Steelers-Texans-JJ-Watt-TJ-Watt-Derek-Watt-Fox-Ultimate-Tag-show/stories/202005150002 |archive-date=May 21, 2020 |access-date=December 4, 2020 |website=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette |language=en}}</ref>
@@ Line 268: / Line 268: @@
 Watt is also known for his interactions with children. On July 2, 2011, the Berry family was traveling home from a vacation in Colorado Springs. The parents, Joshua and Robin Berry, were killed in a head-on collision, and their two sons, [[Peter Berry (basketball)|Peter]] and Aaron, were left handicapped. Their daughter Willa suffered minor injuries. Watt met the children at a fundraiser and grew close to them. He played wheelchair basketball with them and mimed rolling a wheelchair after sacking a quarterback in a 2012 game. The mime was an agreed-upon signal between the Berry children and Watt as a post-sack celebration.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Davenport |first=Gary |date=February 8, 2013 |title=Why J.J. Watt Should Be Your Favorite NFL Player |url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1521740-why-jj-watt-should-be-your-favorite-nfl-player |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201042018/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1521740-why-jj-watt-should-be-your-favorite-nfl-player |archive-date=December 1, 2017 |access-date=May 10, 2017 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en-US}}</ref>
-Following the [[Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting]] in 2012, Watt found out that some of the affected families were in the Houston area. He invited them out on the field to hang out and throw the football. He then proceeded to give them signed merchandise that he had worn in previous games.<ref name="5 Moments">{{Cite web |last=Litman |first=Laken |date=May 17, 2013 |title=5 Coolest J.J. Watt moments |url=http://ftw.usatoday.com/2013/05/5-coolest-j-j-watt-moments-off-the-field |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151210214456/http://ftw.usatoday.com/2013/05/5-coolest-j-j-watt-moments-off-the-field |archive-date=December 10, 2015 |access-date=December 5, 2015 |website=For The Win |publisher=USA Today}}</ref> In October 2015, he dressed up as Batman to surprise kids at the Texas Children's Hospital for a Halloween party.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ganguli |first=Tania |date=October 16, 2015 |title=Houston Texans' J.J. Watt dresses up like Batman for hospital visit – Houston Texans Blog |url=http://espn.go.com/blog/houston-texans/post/_/id/13415/j-j-watt-dresses-up-like-batman-to-surprise-kids-in-hospital |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016232557/http://espn.go.com/blog/houston-texans/post/_/id/13415/j-j-watt-dresses-up-like-batman-to-surprise-kids-in-hospital |archive-date=October 16, 2015 |access-date=October 16, 2015 |website=ESPN}}</ref>
+Following the [[Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting]] in 2012, Watt found out that some of the affected families were in the Houston area. He invited them out on the field to hang out and throw the football. He then proceeded to give them signed merchandise that he had worn in previous games.<ref name="5 Moments">{{Cite web |last=Litman |first=Laken |date=May 17, 2013 |title=5 Coolest J.J. Watt moments |url=http://ftw.usatoday.com/2013/05/5-coolest-j-j-watt-moments-off-the-field |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151210214456/http://ftw.usatoday.com/2013/05/5-coolest-j-j-watt-moments-off-the-field |archive-date=December 10, 2015 |access-date=December 5, 2015 |website=For The Win |publisher=USA Today}}</ref> In October 2015, he dressed up as Batman to surprise kids at the Texas Children's Hospital for a Halloween party.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ganguli |first=Tania |date=October 16, 2015 |title=Houston Texans' J.J. Watt dresses up like Batman for hospital visit – Houston Texans Blog |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/houston-texans/post/_/id/13415/j-j-watt-dresses-up-like-batman-to-surprise-kids-in-hospital |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016232557/http://espn.go.com/blog/houston-texans/post/_/id/13415/j-j-watt-dresses-up-like-batman-to-surprise-kids-in-hospital |archive-date=October 16, 2015 |access-date=October 16, 2015 |website=ESPN}}</ref>
 He also raised over $37&nbsp;million ($100,000 of which he personally donated) to help Houston recover from [[Hurricane Harvey]], surpassing his initial goal of $200,000.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Carson |first=Emily |date=August 29, 2019 |title=JJ Watt's Hurricane Harvey Relief Funds Has Built More Than 1,100 Homes |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/2019/08/29/texans-jj-watt-hurricane-harvey-funds-homes-built-meals-houston |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191011075200/https://www.si.com/nfl/2019/08/29/texans-jj-watt-hurricane-harvey-funds-homes-built-meals-houston |archive-date=October 11, 2019 |access-date=October 4, 2019 |magazine=Sports Illustrated}}</ref>
@@ Line 310: / Line 310: @@
 | 16 || 16 || 56 || 49 || 7 || 5.5 || 13 || 0 || 2 || 2 || 0 || — || — || — || — || — || 4 || — || 1 || — || — || — || — || — || —
 |-
-! style="background:#00ffff; width:3em;"|[[2012 NFL season|2012]] || [[2012 Houston Texans season|HOU]]
+! style="background:#00ffff;"|[[2012 NFL season|2012]] || [[2012 Houston Texans season|HOU]]
-| 16 || 16 || '''81''' || '''69''' || 12 || style="background:#cfecec; width:3em;"| '''20.5''' || style="background:#e0cef2; width:3em;" | '''39''' || 4 || 2 || 7 || 0 || — || — || — || — || — || '''16''' || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || —
+| 16 || 16 || '''81''' || '''69''' || 12 || style="background:#cfecec;"| '''20.5''' || style="background:#e0cef2;" | '''39''' || 4 || 2 || 7 || 0 || — || — || — || — || — || '''16''' || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || —
 |-
 ! [[2013 NFL season|2013]] || [[2013 Houston Texans season|HOU]]
 | 16 || 16 || 80 || 65 || 15 || 10.5 || 22 || 4 || 2 || 0 || 0 || — || — || — || — || — || 7 || — || '''2''' || — || — || — || — || — || —
 |-
-! style="background:#00ffff; width:3em;"|[[2014 NFL season|2014]] || [[2014 Houston Texans season|HOU]]
+! style="background:#00ffff;"|[[2014 NFL season|2014]] || [[2014 Houston Texans season|HOU]]
-| 16 || 16 || 78 || 59 || '''19''' || '''20.5''' || style="background:#cfecec; width:3em;"| 29 || 4 || '''5''' || '''59''' || style="background:#cfecec; width:3em;"| '''1''' || '''1''' || '''80''' || '''80.0''' || '''80''' || '''1''' || 10 || '''1''' || 1 || '''3''' || '''3''' || '''4''' || '''1.3''' || '''2''' || '''3'''
+| 16 || 16 || 78 || 59 || '''19''' || '''20.5''' || style="background:#cfecec;"| 29 || 4 || '''5''' || '''59''' || style="background:#cfecec;"| '''1''' || '''1''' || '''80''' || '''80.0''' || '''80''' || '''1''' || 10 || '''1''' || 1 || '''3''' || '''3''' || '''4''' || '''1.3''' || '''2''' || '''3'''
 |-
 ! style="background:#00ffff; width:3em;"|[[2015 NFL season|2015]] || [[2015 Houston Texans season|HOU]]
-| 16 || 16 || 76 || 57 || '''19''' || style="background:#cfecec; width:3em;"| 17.5 || style="background:#cfecec; width:3em;"| 29 || 3 || 1 || 0 || 0 || — || — || — || — || — || 8 || — || — || 1 || 0 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0
+| 16 || 16 || 76 || 57 || '''19''' || style="background:#cfecec;"| 17.5 || style="background:#cfecec;"| 29 || 3 || 1 || 0 || 0 || — || — || — || — || — || 8 || — || — || 1 || 0 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0
 |-
 ! [[2016 NFL season|2016]] || [[2016 Houston Texans season|HOU]]
@@ Line 329: / Line 329: @@
 |-
 ! [[2018 NFL season|2018]] || [[2018 Houston Texans season|HOU]]
-| 16 || 16 || 61 || 47 || 14 || 16.0 || 18 || style="background:#cfecec; width:3em;"| '''7''' || 0 || 0 || 0 || — || — || — || — || — || 4 || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || —
+| 16 || 16 || 61 || 47 || 14 || 16.0 || 18 || style="background:#cfecec;"| '''7''' || 0 || 0 || 0 || — || — || — || — || — || 4 || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || —
 |-
 ! [[2019 NFL season|2019]] || [[2019 Houston Texans season|HOU]]
@@ Line 396: / Line 396: @@
 * 2× [[List of National Football League annual sacks leaders|NFL sacks leader]] (2012, 2015)
 * [[AP NFL MVP]] runner-up (2014)
-* [[Bert Bell Award]] (2014)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bert Bell Award (Player of the Year) Winners |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/bert-bell-award.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210502031719/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/bert-bell-award.htm |archive-date=May 2, 2021 |access-date=October 9, 2022 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>
+* [[Bert Bell Award]] (2014)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bert Bell Award (Player of the Year) Winners |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/bert-bell-award.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210502031719/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/bert-bell-award.htm |archive-date=May 2, 2021 |access-date=October 9, 2022 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>
 * [[Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year]] (2017)
 * [[Pro Bowl MVP|Pro Bowl Defensive MVP]] ([[2015 Pro Bowl|2014]])
@@ Line 407: / Line 407: @@
 * [[NFL Top 100 Players of 2019|Ranked No. 12 in the Top 100 Players of 2019]]
 * [[NFL Top 100 Players of 2020|Ranked No. 45 in the Top 100 Players of 2020]]
-* Only player with multiple 20-sack seasons (2012, 2014)
+* Only player with multiple 20-sack seasons (2012, 2014)<ref>{{Cite web |title=NFL Sacks Single-Season Leaders (since 1960) |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/sacks_single_season.htm |access-date=2024-06-01 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref>
 * 5× PFWA All-NFL Team (2012–2015, 2018)
 * 6× AFC Defensive Player of the Month (Sep. 2012, Dec. 2012, Sep. 2014, Dec. 2014, Nov. 2015, Sep. 2018)<ref name="NBC1" />
@@ Line 447: / Line 447: @@
 | Debut movie appearance
 |-
-| ''[[CMT Music Awards]]''<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 25, 2016 |title=Erin Andrews, J.J. Watt to Host 2016 CMT Music Awards |url=http://www.cmt.com/news/1766505/erin-andrews-j-j-watt-to-host-2016-cmt-music-awards/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220106195320/http://www.cmt.com/news/1766505/erin-andrews-j-j-watt-to-host-2016-cmt-music-awards/ |archive-date=January 6, 2022 |access-date=January 6, 2022 |website=CMT News}}</ref>
+| ''[[CMT Music Awards]]''<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 25, 2016 |title=Erin Andrews, J.J. Watt to Host 2016 CMT Music Awards |url=http://www.cmt.com/news/1766505/erin-andrews-j-j-watt-to-host-2016-cmt-music-awards/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220106195320/http://www.cmt.com/news/1766505/erin-andrews-j-j-watt-to-host-2016-cmt-music-awards/ |archive-date=January 6, 2022 |access-date=January 6, 2022 |website=CMT News}}</ref>
 | Himself/co-host
 | Alongside [[Erin Andrews]]
@@ Line 470: / Line 470: @@
 {{Commons category|J. J. Watt}}
 * {{Football stats |nfl=J-J-Watt|espn=13979|yahoo=24798 |pfr=W/WattJ.00}}
-* [https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/jj-watt-1.html Collegiate stats at Sports-Reference.com]
+* [https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/jj-watt-1.html Collegiate statistics] at [[Sports Reference]]
 * [https://web.archive.org/web/20141205172049/http://www.uwbadgers.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/watt_jj00.html Wisconsin Badgers bio]
 * [http://jjwfoundation.org/about-jj J. J. Watt Foundation]
 {{Navboxes
-| title = J. J. Watt—awards and honors
+| title =
 | list =
 {{Lott Trophy}}
@@ Line 501: / Line 501: @@
 [[Category:American football defensive ends]]
 [[Category:American football defensive tackles]]
+[[Category:American football tight ends]]
 [[Category:American people of Polish descent]]
 [[Category:American people of Scottish descent]]
@@ Line 517: / Line 518: @@
 [[Category:Unconferenced Pro Bowl players]]
 [[Category:Wisconsin Badgers football players]]
-[[Category:American football tight ends]]

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