Andre Johnson and Arian Foster may have a case, but for our money the greatest player in Houston Texans franchise history is J.J. Watt, hands down.
Watt came into the league as part of the incredibly deep 2011 NFL draft class, getting picked by Houston at No. 11 overall. Watt showed promise as a rookie and then absolutely exploded in his second season, leading the league with 20.5 sacks and 39 tackles for a loss. He continued to dominate as the best defensive player in the game over the next several years before injuries caught up with him. Watt finished his career with the Arizona Cardinals on a high note, posting 12.5 sacks in 2022. By the time he was done he had made five All-Pro teams and won the Defensive Player of the Year award three times.
Even though he retired over two years ago, Watt looks like he could line up tomorrow and wind up finishing with 10+ sacks without a single practice to get warmed up. Here's a look at how Watt has kept himself in shape:
progress. pic.twitter.com/nxPjM3AJCL
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) July 8, 2024
Nuts.
Watt will be eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in three years and his case is as air-tight as it gets.