Last week, former Wisconsin defensive end J.J. Watt was honored by being included in the NFL’s Mount Rushmore for all-time Houston Texans. He joined former All-Pros Duane Brown (LT) and DeAndre Hopkins (WR), as well as 2024 Hall of Famer Andre Johnson (WR) on the prestigious list. The Texans, who started in 2002, welcome younger players into their upper echelon due to their relatively short history compared to other NFL franchises.
During his three years as a Badger, Watt achieved numerous accolades such as winning the Lott IMPACT Trophy, being named team MVP, and earning a spot on the consensus first-team All-Big Ten team as a defensive end. In his senior year, he led the team in various categories like TFLs, sacks, quarterback hurries, forced fumbles, and blocked kicks. Watt finished his college career ranked third all-time in UW history with four career blocked kicks, a skill he continued to showcase in the NFL.
The Houston Texans drafted Watt with the 11th overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. He made an immediate impact as an edge rusher, recording a league-high 20.5 sacks and 39 TFLs in his second season, earning him his first AP Defensive Player of the Year Award. Throughout his career, Watt was recognized with three Defensive Player of the Year awards, five All-Pro selections, and a spot on the Hall of Fame All-2010s Team.
After playing two seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, Watt retired in 2022. He is widely considered a lock for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2027 alongside seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady. The legacy of J.J. Watt as a dominant force on the field will always be remembered.