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Protected "J. J. Watt": Persistent vandalism ([Edit=Require autoconfirmed or confirmed access] (expires 20:52, 9 November 2018 (UTC)) [Move=Require autoconfirmed or confirmed access] (expires 20:52, 9 November 2018 (UTC)))
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2018}}
{{Infobox NFL biography
| name = J. J. Watt
| image = JJWatt.jpg
| image_size = 200px
| alt =
| caption = Watt with the Houston Texans in 2012
| current_team = Houston Texans
| position = [[Defensive end]] <!-- Please do NOT add the tight end position. Thank you. -->
| number = 99
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1989|3|22|mf=y}}
| birth_place = [[Waukesha, Wisconsin]]
| height_ft = 6
| height_in = 5
| weight_lbs = 295
| high_school = [[Pewaukee High School|Pewaukee]]<br>([[Pewaukee, Wisconsin]])
| college = [[Wisconsin Badgers football|Wisconsin]]
| draftyear = 2011
| draftround = 1
| draftpick = 11
| pastteams =
* [[Houston Texans]] ({{NFL Year|2011}}–present)
| status = Active
| highlights =
* 4× [[Pro Bowl]] ([[2013 Pro Bowl|2012]]–[[2016 Pro Bowl|2015]])
* 4× First-team [[All-Pro]] ([[2012 All-Pro Team|2012]]–[[2015 All-Pro Team|2015]])
* [[Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year]] (2017)
* [[Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year|''Sports Illustrated'' Sportsman of the Year]] (2017)
* 3× [[AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award|NFL Defensive Player of the Year]] (2012, 2014, 2015)
* [[Bert Bell Award]] (2014)
* 2× [[List of National Football League season sacks leaders|NFL sacks leader]] (2012, 2015)
* [[Lott Trophy]] (2010)
* First-team [[College Football All-America Team|All-American]] ([[2010 College Football All-America Team|2010]])
* First-team All-[[Big Ten Conference|Big Ten]] ([[2010 All-Big Ten Conference football team|2010]])
| statleague = NFL
| statweek = 8
| statseason = 2018
| statlabel1 = [[Tackle (football move)|Total tackles]]
| statvalue1 = 424
| statlabel2 = [[Quarterback sack|Sacks]]
| statvalue2 = 84.0
| statlabel3 = [[Pass deflections]]
| statvalue3 = 49
| statlabel4 = [[Fumble|Forced fumbles]]
| statvalue4 = 19
| statlabel5 = [[Interception]]s
| statvalue5 = 1
| statlabel6 = [[Touchdown|Defensive touchdowns]]
| statvalue6 = 2
| statlabel7=[[Reception (American football)|Reception]]s
| statvalue7=3
| statlabel8=[[Touchdown|Receiving touchdowns]]
| statvalue8=3
| nfl = WAT579210
}}
'''Justin James "J. J." Watt''' (born March 22, 1989) is an [[American football]] [[defensive end]] for the [[Houston Texans]] of the [[National Football League]] (NFL). He was drafted by the Texans with the 11th pick in the first round of the [[2011 NFL Draft]], and played [[college football]] at [[Wisconsin Badgers football|Wisconsin]].
Watt received the [[AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award]] three times in his first five seasons.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Rosenthal|first1=Gregg|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|publisher=National Football League|accessdate=February 19, 2015}}</ref> Although primarily a defensive end, he occasionally shifts to [[defensive tackle]] in some situations. He has also taken snaps on offense, catching three touchdown passes during the 2014 season. In 2014, Watt became the first player in NFL history to record two 20+ sack seasons in a career.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Edholm|first1=Eric|title=J.J. Watt becomes only two-time 20-sack player, does so on safety|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-shutdown-corner/j-j--watt-becomes-only-two-time-20-sack-player--does-so-on-safety-210051599.html|work=Yahoo! Sports|accessdate=July 22, 2015}}</ref> He holds the Texans' franchise records for both sacks and forced fumbles. In 2017, ''[[Sports Illustrated]]'' named Watt its Sportsperson of the Year.
==Early life and high school career==
Watt was born on March 22, 1989, in [[Waukesha, Wisconsin]],<ref name=jj1>{{cite web|title=J.J. Watt Stats, News, Video|url=http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/13979/jj-watt|publisher=ESPN|accessdate=November 29, 2014}}</ref> to parents Connie, a building operations vice-president, and John Watt, a firefighter. Both of J.J.'s younger brothers are in the NFL as well – [[Derek Watt]] is a fullback for the [[Los Angeles Chargers]], and [[T. J. Watt]] plays linebacker for the [[Pittsburgh Steelers]]. Watt played hockey from age four to age 13<ref name="jj2">{{Cite web |url=http://www.uwalumni.com/news/badger-mom-connie-watt/ |title=My Three Sons: Badger Mom Proud of Watt Brothers On, Off Field |last=Ashley |first=Schumacher |website=UW Alumni |access-date=November 29, 2014}}</ref> and played for travel 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 |url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=681464 |title=NFL star J.J. Watt maintains love for hockey |last=Pinchevsky |first=Tal |website=NHL.com |access-date=November 29, 2014}}</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|title=Texans' J.J. Watt has high school jersey retired at Pewaukee (Photos)|url=http://www.maxpreps.com/news/H1uWT5iNy0yfYNw5DN425A/texans-jj-watt-has-high-school-jersey-retired-at-pewaukee-%28photos%29.htm}}</ref> During his senior year, he was selected for first-team All-State. 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|accessdate=November 29, 2014|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141205172049/http://www.uwbadgers.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/watt_jj00.html|archivedate=December 5, 2014}}</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=http://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/jj-watt/oOiTe_TnEeKZ5AAmVebBJg/gendersport/football-stats.htm|accessdate=November 29, 2014}}</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 |url=http://mmqb.si.com/2013/09/04/jj-watt-unplugged/ |title=JJ Watt on how he can improve on one of the greatest defensive seasons ever - The MMQB with Peter King |last=King |first=Peter |date=September 4, 2013 |website=The MMQB |access-date=February 23, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://blog.chron.com/ultimatetexans/2012/10/the-life-and-times-of-j-j-watt/#7879101=0|title=The life and times of J.J. Watt|work=Ultimate Texans|accessdate=February 23, 2016}}</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 ft, 11.5 in (18.28 meters).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.athletic.net/TrackAndField/MeetResults.aspx?Meet=30210#3115|title=WIAA State Championships Div II - Track & Field Meet|work=Athletic.net|accessdate=February 23, 2016}}</ref>
===Recruiting===
Regarded as a two-star recruit by both ''[[Rivals.com]]'' and ''[[Scout.com]]'', Watt was ranked neither among the top tight end nor among 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 for Central Michigan under coach [[Butch Jones]].<ref name=jj7>{{cite web|title=JJ Watt|url=https://rivals.yahoo.com/footballrecruiting/football/recruiting/player-JJ-Watt-54719;_ylt=Ai6l8bYaDIz6c.0ZImVoOydDPZB4|website=Rivals.com|accessdate=November 29, 2014}}</ref>
{{College athlete recruit start|40=yes|collapse=no|year=2008}}
{{College athlete recruit entry
| recruit = J. J. Watt
| position = [[Defensive End]]
| hometown = Pewaukee, WI
| highschool = Pewaukee HS
| feet = 6
| inches = 5
| weight = 220
| 40 = 4.70
| commitdate = January 30, 2007
| scout stars = 2
| rivals stars = 2
| espn grade = 63
}}
{{College athlete recruit end
| 40 =
| year = 2007
| rivals ref title = Central Michigan Football Commitments
| scout ref title = 2007 Central Michigan Football Commits
| espn ref title = ESPN
| rivals school = centralmichigan
| scout s = 73
| espn schoolid = 2117
| scout overall = NR
| rivals overall = NR
| espn overall = 172 (DE)
| accessdate = May 20, 2014
| bball =
}}
==College career==
[[File:J.J. Watt.jpg|thumb|upright|Watt after the Badgers vs. Northwestern game in 2010]]
===Central Michigan===
Watt received a scholarship offer from [[Central Michigan University]] and matriculated there. Watt 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 |website=Sports Reference College Football |accessdate=November 29, 2014 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141204195236/http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/jj-watt-1.html |archivedate=December 4, 2014 |df= }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/jj-watt-1/gamelog/2007/ |title=J.J. Watt 2007 Game Log |website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=2018-02-18}}</ref> Watt's coaches, led by Butch 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|last1=Warber|first1=Kyle|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|work= MLive |publisher=[[Booth Newspapers]]|accessdate=November 29, 2014}}</ref>
===Wisconsin===
At the [[University of Wisconsin-Madison]], Watt was redshirted for the 2008 season and was named Wisconsin's Scout Team Player of the Year. In 2009, he played in 13 games as defensive end. In a game against [[Hawaii Rainbow Warriors football|Hawaii]] on December 5, 2009, Watt had a career-high of two sacks for nine yards, three tackles for loss, six tackles, and one quarterback hurry. 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 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/jj-watt-1/gamelog/2009/ |title=J.J. Watt 2009 Game Log |website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=2018-02-18}}</ref> He also earned his first letter. On November 20, 2010, against Michigan, he recorded his first collegiate interception.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2010-11-20-michigan.html |title=Wisconsin at Michigan Box Score, November 20, 2010 |website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=2018-02-18}}</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 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/jj-watt-1/gamelog/2010/ |title=J.J. Watt 2010 Game Log |website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=2018-02-18}}</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 />
===College statistics===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|-
! rowspan="2"| Year
! rowspan="2"| Team
! rowspan="2"| GP
! colspan="4"| Tackles
! colspan="5"| Interceptions
! rowspan="2"| FF
|-
! Comb !! Total !! Ast !! Sack !! Int !! Yards !! Avg !! TD !! PD
|-
! [[2009 NCAA Division I FBS football season|2009]] !! [[2009 Wisconsin Badgers football team|Wisconsin]]
| 13 || 44 || 32 || 12 || 4.5 || 0 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 5 || 2
|-
! [[2010 NCAA Division I FBS football season|2010]] !! [[2010 Wisconsin Badgers football team|Wisconsin]]
| 13 || 62 || 42 || 20 || 7.0 || 1 || 15 || 15.0 || 0 || 0 || 2
|-
! colspan="2"| Career !! 26 !! 106 !! 74 !! 32 !! 11.5 !! 1 !! 15 !! 15.0 !! 0 !! 5 !! 4
|}
==Professional career==
{{NFL predraft
| height ft = 6
| height in = 5 3/8
| weight = 290
| dash = 4.84
| ten split = 1.64
| twenty split = 2.71
| shuttle = 4.21
| cone drill = 6.88
| vertical = 37
| broad ft = 10
| broad in = 0
| bench = 34
| wonderlic = 31<ref>{{cite web|url=http://archive.jsonline.com/sports/packers/119987524.html|title=State NFL draft prospects|last=McGinn|first=Bob|work=JSOnline.com|date=April 16, 2011|accessdate=April 20, 2018|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180420232949/http://archive.jsonline.com/sports/packers/119987524.html|archivedate=April 20, 2018}}</ref>
| arm span = 34
| hand span = 11⅛
| note = All values are from [[NFL Scouting Combine]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/J.J.-Watt?id=2495488#tabs:tab-overview |title=NFL Events: Combine Player Profiles - J.J. Watt |publisher=National Football League |date= |accessdate=October 9, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.draftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=76434&draftyear=2011&genpos=de|title=*J.J. Watt - Wisconsin, DE : 2011 NFL Draft Scout Player Profile|website=www.draftscout.com|accessdate=September 24, 2018}}</ref>
}}
Watt skipped his senior season, entering the 2011 NFL Draft. At the 2011 NFL Combine, Watt 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|accessdate=November 29, 2014}}</ref> On April 28, 2011, he was selected in the first round by the Houston Texans with the 11th overall pick.<ref name=jj12>{{cite web|title=NFL Prospect J.J. Watt|url=http://www.nfl.com/draft/2011/profiles/j.j.-watt?id=2495488|accessdate=November 29, 2014}}</ref> He was the first defensive end to be selected in the 2011 draft.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2011/draft.htm |title=2011 NFL Draft Listing |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=2018-02-18}}</ref> The Texans signed Watt to a four-year, $11.24 million contract on July 31, 2011.<ref name="jj13">{{Cite web |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/news/texans--j-j--watt-seeks--same-appreciation--others-received-with-contract-extensions-155302454.html |title=Texans star J.J. Watt seeks 'same appreciation' that draft mates received with new contracts |last=Robinson |first=Charles |website=Yahoo! Sports |access-date=November 29, 2014}}</ref>
===2011 season===
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.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201109110htx.htm |title=Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans - September 11th, 2011 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=2018-02-18}}</ref> On November 27, against the Jacksonville Jaguars, he had his first multi-sack game with 2.0 in the 20–13 victory.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201111270jax.htm |title=Houston Texans at Jacksonville Jaguars - November 27th, 2011 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=2018-02-18}}</ref> He finished the season with 48 solo tackles, eight assisted tackles, and five and a half sacks. The Texans qualified for the playoffs for the first time in franchise history.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/htx |title=Houston Texans Team Encyclopedia |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=2018-02-18}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/htx/2011.htm |title=2011 Houston Texans Statistics & Players |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=2018-02-18}}</ref> In the playoffs, Watt recorded 11 solo tackles, three assisted tackles, one interception returned for a touchdown, one pass defended, and four sacks in two games against the [[Cincinnati Bengals]] and [[Baltimore Ravens]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201201070htx.htm |title=Wild Card - Cincinnati Bengals at Houston Texans - January 7th, 2012 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=2018-02-18}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201201150rav.htm |title=Divisional Round - Houston Texans at Baltimore Ravens - January 15th, 2012 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=2018-02-18}}</ref> Watt was named Texans Team Rookie of the Year, USA Today All-Joe Team, and Pro-Football Weekly/PWFA All-Rookie Team.<ref name=jj14>{{cite web|title=Houston Texans: J.J. Watt|url=http://www.houstontexans.com/team/roster/jj-watt/b44e970b-c671-4671-a527-8ecc06f5b7b9/|accessdate=November 29, 2014}}</ref>
===2012 season===
In 2012, Watt had one of the best seasons for a defensive player in NFL history. Watt finished the season with 69 solo tackles, 12 assisted tackles, 20.5 sacks, 16 passes defended, four forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. Watt was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Month in September and December.<ref name="jj19"/> 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.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201211220det.htm |title=Houston Texans at Detroit Lions - November 22nd, 2012 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=2018-02-18}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Houston Texans Team History|url=http://www.houstontexans.com/team/history.html|accessdate=November 29, 2014}}</ref> On December 16, against the Indianapolis Colts, he recorded three sacks and ten total tackles in a 29–17 victory.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201212160htx.htm |title=Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans - December 16th, 2012 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=2018-02-18}}</ref> The Texans made the playoffs again in 2012, and Watt recorded six solo tackles, three assisted tackles, two passes defended, two sacks in two games.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/htx/2012.htm |title=2012 Houston Texans Statistics & Players |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=2018-02-18}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201301050htx.htm |title=Wild Card - Cincinnati Bengals at Houston Texans - January 5th, 2013 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=2018-02-18}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201301130nwe.htm |title=Divisional Round - Houston Texans at New England Patriots - January 13th, 2013 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=2018-02-18}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=J.J. Watt Career Stats|url=http://www.foxsports.com/nfl/player/j.j.-watt/careerstats/1268600?seasonState=PostSeason|accessdate=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 |url=http://blog.chron.com/ultimatetexans/2012/12/sack-record-not-on-j-j-watts-mind-after-loss/ |title=Watt sacked in quest for record |last=Ganguli |first=Tania |website=Chron.com |access-date=November 29, 2014}}</ref> Watt was named to the 2013 NFL Pro-Bowl Team on December 26, 2012. 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, NFL 101 AFC Defensive Player of the Year, AP First-Team All-Pro, and the AP Defensive Player of the Year.<ref name="jj19">{{cite web|title=Houston Texans J.J. Watt|url=http://www.houstontexans.com/team/roster/jj-watt/b44e970b-c671-4671-a527-8ecc06f5b7b9/|accessdate=November 29, 2014}}</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|last1=Wilner|first1=Barry|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|accessdate=November 29, 2014}}</ref> Watt was the 17th defensive lineman and only the eighth defensive end to receive the award since 1971.<ref name=jj17>{{cite web|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|accessdate=November 29, 2014}}</ref> Watt also made the highest debut on NFL Network's Top 100 Players list for 2012, coming in at number five.<ref name=jj18>{{cite web|last1=Ganguli|first1=Tania|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|accessdate=November 29, 2014}}</ref>
===2013 season===
[[File:Philip Rivers, JJ Watt, Nick Mangold 2014 Pro Bowl (cropped).jpg|upright|thumb|Watt during the 2014 Pro Bowl]]
Watt had a strong season, but the Texans struggled as a whole, in the 2013 season.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/htx/2013.htm |title=2013 Houston Texans Statistics & Players |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=2018-02-18}}</ref> In Week 2, against the Tennessee Titans, he had his first two sacks of the season in 30–24 win.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201309150htx.htm |title=Tennessee Titans at Houston Texans - September 15th, 2013 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=2018-02-18}}</ref> From Weeks 7–12, he recorded at least one sack in each game.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201310200kan.htm |title=Houston Texans at Kansas City Chiefs - October 20th, 2013 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=2018-02-18}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201311030htx.htm |title=Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans - November 3rd, 2013 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=2018-02-18}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201311100crd.htm |title=Houston Texans at Arizona Cardinals - November 10th, 2013 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=2018-02-18}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201311170htx.htm |title=Oakland Raiders at Houston Texans - November 17th, 2013 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=2018-02-18}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201311240htx.htm |title=Jacksonville Jaguars at Houston Texans - November 24th, 2013 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=2018-02-18}}</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=jj19 /><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WattJ.00/gamelog/2013/ |title=J.J. Watt 2013 Game Log |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=2018-02-18}}</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|accessdate=November 29, 2014}}</ref> Watt was named to the 2014 NFL Pro Bowl and was a Pro Bowl Captain.<ref name=jj19 />
===2014 season===
[[File:J.J. Watt 2014 Pro Bowl.png|thumb|left|upright|Watt during 2014 Pro Bowl coin toss]]
Prior to the start of the 2014 season, the Texans and Watt agreed to a six-year contract extension, worth $100 million.<ref name=jj20>{{cite web|last1=Rosenthal|first1=Gregg|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|accessdate=November 29, 2014}}</ref> Watt received $30.9 million at signing and he will receive $21 million at the start of the 2016 season if he is on the roster. This contract made him the NFL's highest paid non-quarterback, based on average yearly salary.<ref name=jj21>{{cite web|last1=Corry|first1=Joel|title=J.J. Watt's New Contract Makes Him The League's Highest Paid Non-Quarterback|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/09/03/jj-watt-new-deal_n_5760724.html|accessdate=November 29, 2014}}</ref>
In a game against the [[Oakland Raiders]], on September 14, 2014, Watt became the first defensive player in Texans history to score a touchdown from scrimmage. Watt scored the touchdown on a one-yard catch after coming into the game as a tight end.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201409140rai.htm |title=Houston Texans at Oakland Raiders - September 14th, 2014 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=2018-02-18}}</ref><ref name=jj22>{{cite web|last1=Sidhu|first1=Deepi|title=J.J. Watt scores offensive TD at Oakland|url=http://www.houstontexans.com/news/article-2/JJ-Watt-scores-offensive-TD-at-Oakland/87f12f3f-6529-49ce-9389-d28834c4b1bb|accessdate=November 29, 2014}}</ref> Watt scored his second touchdown of the season on September 28, 2014, against the Buffalo Bills. Watt picked off a pass from Buffalo's E.J. Manuel that was intended for Fred Jackson, and returned 80 yards for the touchdown.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201409280htx.htm |title=Buffalo Bills at Houston Texans - September 28th, 2014 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=2018-02-18}}</ref> With this touchdown, Watt became tied at sixth for the longest interception return by a defensive lineman. Watt's touchdown was also the fourth longest interception return in Houston Texans history.<ref name=jj23>{{cite web|last1=Sidhu|first1=Deepi|title=J.J. Watt scores on pick-six|url=http://www.houstontexans.com/news/article-2/JJ-Watt-scores-offensive-TD-at-Oakland/87f12f3f-6529-49ce-9389-d28834c4b1bb|accessdate=November 29, 2014}}</ref> During the game, Watt hit Manuel nine times, but was flagged twice for roughing the passer. Watt was fined $16,537 for only one of the incidents.<ref name=jj24>{{cite web|last1=Smith|first1=Michael David|title=J.J. Watt fined for roughing EJ Manuel|url=http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/10/03/j-j-watt-fined-for-roughing-ej-manuel/|accessdate=November 29, 2014}}</ref> Watt was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Month for September.<ref name=jj25>{{cite web|last1=Patra|first1=Kevin|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|accessdate=November 29, 2014}}</ref>
In a game against the Indianapolis Colts, on October 9, 2014, Watt forced Colts quarterback [[Andrew Luck]] to fumble the ball. Watt recovered the ball and returned 45 yards for the touchdown.<ref name=jj26>{{cite web|last1=Machir|first1=Troy|title=J.J. Watt forces and recovers fumble, scores third TD of season|url=http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/story/2014-10-09/jj-watt-touchdown-video-fumble-return-texans-colts-andrew-luck|accessdate=November 29, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201410090htx.htm |title=Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans - October 9th, 2014 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=2018-02-18}}</ref>
For his fourth touchdown of the season, Watt caught a two-yard touchdown pass from Texans quarterback, Ryan Mallett, for Mallett's first career touchdown pass. Watt recorded 4 solo tackles, one assisted tackle, one sack, one forced fumble, and fumble recovery in the same game, which was on November 16, 2014, against the Cleveland Browns.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201411160cle.htm |title=Houston Texans at Cleveland Browns - November 16th, 2014 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=2018-02-18}}</ref><ref name=jj27>{{cite web|title=Texans defensive star J.J. Watt scores fourth touchdown of the season|url=http://www.foxnews.com/sports/2014/11/16/texans-defensive-star-jj-watt-scores-fourth-touchdown-season/|accessdate=November 29, 2014}}</ref>
Watt scored his fifth touchdown on November 30, 2014, catching a one-yard pass from [[Ryan Fitzpatrick]], the Texans quarterback.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201411300htx.htm |title=Tennessee Titans at Houston Texans - November 30th, 2014 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=2018-02-18}}</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|last1=Ganguli|first1=Tania|title=J.J. Watt scores 5th TD of season|url=http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/11959779/jj-watt-houston-texans-1st-d-lineman-5-tds-season-1944|accessdate=December 1, 2014}}</ref>
On December 21, Watt recorded his 54th sack as a Texan in a 25–13 win against the [[Baltimore Ravens]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201412210htx.htm |title=Baltimore Ravens at Houston Texans - December 21st, 2014 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=2018-02-18}}</ref> With that sack, he surpassed [[Mario Williams]] as the franchise leader in sacks. On December 28, 2014, Watt had a sack for his first career safety against the [[Jacksonville Jaguars]] which gave him three sacks on the day<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201412070jax.htm |title=Houston Texans at Jacksonville Jaguars - December 7th, 2014 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=2018-02-18}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/video/houston-wins-division-defensive-weapons-234133965.html|title=Houston wins division with defensive weapons|work=Sports Illustrated|type=Video|access-date=2016-06-25|via=Yahoo!}}</ref> and 20.5 on the season, becoming the first player in NFL history to have 20 or more sacks in separate seasons.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.endzonescore.com/video-j-j-watts-touchdowns-2014/|title=Video: J.J. Watt's Touchdowns in 2014|work=EndZoneScore|accessdate=February 23, 2016}}</ref> Watt also finished the season with a career-high 5 fumble recoveries and 5 touchdowns.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WattJ.00/gamelog/2014/ |title=J.J. Watt 2014 Game Log |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=2018-02-18}}</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]]. Watt was also named to the [[2015 Pro Bowl]] where [[Cris Carter]], team captain of Team Carter, selected Watt to be his captain on defense. During the game, Watt recorded a fumble recovery and an interception and after the game was named Defensive MVP. He also won the Defensive Player of the Year award, one of the few to win the award multiple times, and became the first defensive player since 2008 to get votes for the MVP award, receiving 13.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://espn.go.com/blog/houston-texans/post/_/id/9944/mvp-voters-took-note-of-jj-watts-historic-season|title=MVP voters took note of J.J. Watt's historic season|work=ESPN.com|accessdate=February 23, 2016}}</ref> After the season, Watt was named to the top spot in the [[NFL Top 100 Players of 2015]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-top100-2015/0ap3000000500558/Top-100-Players-of-2015-No-1-J-J-Watt |title='Top 100 Players of 2015': No. 1 J.J. Watt |website=NFL.com |language=en |access-date=2018-02-18}}</ref>
===2015 season===
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, 8 passes defended, 3 forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery. In the regular season finale, against the Jacksonville Jaguars, he had a season-high three sacks to go along with eight total tackles.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201601030htx.htm |title=Jacksonville Jaguars at Houston Texans - January 3rd, 2016 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=2018-02-18}}</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]] to do so. 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.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/htx/2015.htm |title=2015 Houston Texans Statistics & Players |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=2018-02-18}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201601090htx.htm |title=Wild Card - Kansas City Chiefs at Houston Texans - January 9th, 2016 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=2018-02-18}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WattJ.00/gamelog/2015/ |title=J.J. Watt 2015 Game Log |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=2018-02-18}}</ref> On January 12, 2016, Watt underwent groin surgery for a sports hernia.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Ganguli|first1=Tania|title=Texans DE Watt undergoes groin surgery.|url=http://espn.go.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/195743/j-j-watt-has-groin-surgery-in-philadelphia|website=espn.go.com|publisher=ESPN|accessdate=January 12, 2016}}</ref> This forced Watt to withdraw from the 2016 Pro Bowl. This was his fourth straight Pro Bowl honors to go along with his fourth straight first-team All-Pro. He was ranked as the top defensive lineman and the third best player on the [[NFL Top 100 Players of 2016]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-top100-2016/0ap3000000673257/Top-100-Players-of-2016-No-3-JJ-Watt|title='Top 100 Players of 2016': No. 2 Tom Brady|website=NFL.com}}</ref>
===2016 season===
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 [[Chicago Bears]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201609110htx.htm |title=Chicago Bears at Houston Texans - September 11th, 2016 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=2018-02-18}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Wesseling |first1=Chris |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 |publisher=NFL |accessdate=July 21, 2016}}</ref> In Week 2, he had 1.5 sacks and five total tackles against the Kansas City Chiefs.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201609180htx.htm |title=Kansas City Chiefs at Houston Texans - September 18th, 2016 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=2018-02-18}}</ref> On September 22, in the game against the New England Patriots, he recorded two assisted tackles in last action of the season.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201609220nwe.htm |title=Houston Texans at New England Patriots - September 22nd, 2016 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=2018-02-18}}</ref> On September 28, 2016, he was placed on [[injured reserve]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Texans place J.J. Watt on Reserve/Injured |url=http://www.houstontexans.com/news/article-2/Texans-place-JJ-Watt-on-ReserveInjured/4fa55e55-ceff-4027-92a8-e6b28a62b833 |website=HoustonTexans.com |accessdate=September 28, 2016}}</ref> The following day, he underwent back surgery again, and was officially ruled out for the rest of the 2016 season after playing three games and recording 1.5 sacks.<ref>{{cite web |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 |publisher=NFL |accessdate=September 29, 2016}}</ref> Even though Watt played in only three games, he was ranked 35th on the [[NFL Top 100 Players of 2017]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://a.video.nfl.com/films/2016/NFL_NETWORK/show/NFLCOM/OFF/19/170605_top100_watt_900882_700k.mp4|title=NFL Top 100 Players of 2017 - No. 35 J. J. Watt|publisher=}}</ref>
===2017 season===
Watt returned from his injury to play in the season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201709100htx.htm |title=Jacksonville Jaguars at Houston Texans - September 10th, 2017 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=2018-02-18}}</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|last1=Wilson|first1=Aaron|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|publisher=Houston Chronicle}}</ref> He underwent surgery the next day and was ruled out the remainder of the season.<ref>{{cite web|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|author=Patra, Kevin|website=NFL.com|date=October 9, 2017}}</ref> In only 5 games, Watt finished with 11 tackles and 2 passes defended.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Bergman|first1=Jeremy|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|publisher=NFL|accessdate=October 9, 2017}}</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|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/|title=‘I can't sugarcoat it, I am devastated’: J.J. Watt apologizes to Houston after breaking leg|last=Boren|first=Cindy|date=2017-10-09|work=Washington Post|access-date=2017-10-09|language=en-US|issn=0190-8286}}</ref> Watt was co-named [[Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year]] for 2017 for his humanitarian efforts. Watt was named [[Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award|Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000913884/article/running-list-of-2018-nfl-honors-award-winners|title=Complete list of tonight's 'NFL Honors' award winners|work=NFL.com|access-date=2018-02-04|language=en}}</ref>
===2018 season===
Watt returned from his injury in time for the season opener against the New England Patriots. After being held without a sack in the first two weeks, Watt collected three sacks and eight combined tackles in Week 3 against the [[2018 New York Giants season|New York Giants]], his first sacks since Week 2 of 2016.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.houstontexans.com/news/j-j-watt-gets-first-sack-of-2018 |title=J.J. Watt has historic 3-sack day |work=Houston Texans |access-date=2018-10-09 |language=en-US}}</ref> He followed that up with two sacks the following week 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|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|website=NFL.com|date=October 4, 2018}}</ref>
==NFL career statistics==
{| class="wikitable"
| colspan="2"|<center>Legend</center>
|-
| style="background:#cfecec; width:3em;"|
|Led the league
|-
| style="background:#00FFFF; width:3em;"|
| [[NFL Defensive Player of the Year]]
|-
| '''Bold'''
|Career high
|}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|-
! rowspan="2"| Year
! rowspan="2"| Team
! colspan="2"| Games
! colspan="4"| Tackles
! colspan="4"| Fumbles
! colspan="6"| Interceptions
! colspan="2"| Other
! colspan="6"| Receiving
|-
! GP !! GS !! Comb !! Solo !! Ast !! Sack !! FF !! FR !! Yds !! TD !! Int !! Yds !! Avg !! Lng !! TD !! PD !! Sfty !! KB !! Rec !! Tgts !! Yards !! Avg !! Long !! TD
|-
! [[2011 NFL season|2011]] || [[2011 Houston Texans season|HOU]]
| 16 || 16 || 56 || 48 || 8 || 5.5 || 0 || 2 || 2 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 4 || 0 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0
|-
! style="background:#00FFFF; width:3em;"|[[2012 NFL season|2012]] || [[2012 Houston Texans season|HOU]]
| 16 || 16 ||'''81'''||'''69'''|| 12 || style="background:#cfecec; width:3em;"|'''20.5''' ||'''4'''|| 2 || 7 || 0 || 0|| 0 || 0 || 0 || 0||'''16'''|| 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0
|-
! [[2013 NFL season|2013]] || [[2013 Houston Texans season|HOU]]
| 16 || 16 || 80 || 65 || 15 || 10.5 ||'''4'''|| 2 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 7 || 0 ||'''2'''|| 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0
|-
! style="background:#00FFFF; width:3em;"|[[2014 NFL season|2014]] || [[2014 Houston Texans season|HOU]]
| 16 || 16 || 78 || 59 ||'''19'''||'''20.5''' ||'''4'''||'''5'''||'''59'''||'''1''' ||'''1'''||'''80'''||'''80'''||'''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 || 3 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 8 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0
|-
! [[2016 NFL season|2016]] || [[2016 Houston Texans season|HOU]]
| 3 || 3 || 8 || 1 || 7 || 1.5 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0
|-
! [[2017 NFL season|2017]] || [[2017 Houston Texans season|HOU]]
| 5 || 5 || 15 || 11 || 4 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 2 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0
|-
! [[2018 NFL season|2018]] ||[[2018 Houston Texans season|HOU]]
| 8 || 8 || 30 || 23 || 7 || 8.0 || 4 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 2 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0
|-
! align=center colspan="2" |Career || 91 || 91 || 424 || 333 || 91 || 84.0 || 19 || 12 || 68 || 1 || 1 || 80 || 80 || 1 || 1 || 49 || 1 || 4 || 3 || 4 || 4 || 1.3 || 2 || 3
|}
==Awards and highlights==
===NFL===
* 4× [[Pro Bowl]] selection ([[2013 Pro Bowl|2012]], [[2014 Pro Bowl|2013]], [[2015 Pro Bowl|2014]], [[2016 Pro Bowl|2015]])
* 4× First-team [[All-Pro]] selection ([[2012 All-Pro Team|2012]], [[2013 All-Pro Team|2013]], [[2014 All-Pro Team|2014]], [[2015 All-Pro Team|2015]])
* 3× [[AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year|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)
* 3× [[Kansas City Committee of 101 awards#Defensive Player of the Year Awards|Kansas City Committee of 101 AFC Defensive Player of the Year]] (2012, 2014, 2015)
* 2× [[List of National Football League annual sacks leaders|NFL sacks leader]] (2012, 2015)
* [[AP NFL MVP]] runner-up (2014)
* [[Bert Bell Award]] (2014)
* [[Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year]] (2017)
* [[Pro Bowl MVP|Pro Bowl Defensive MVP]] ([[2015 Pro Bowl|2014]])
* [[NFL Top 100 Players of 2013|Ranked No. 5 in the Top 100 Players of 2013]]
* [[NFL Top 100 Players of 2014|Ranked No. 12 in the Top 100 Players of 2014]]
* [[NFL Top 100 Players of 2015|Ranked No. 1 in the Top 100 Players of 2015]]
* [[NFL Top 100 Players of 2016|Ranked No. 3 in the Top 100 Players of 2016]]
* [[NFL Top 100 Players of 2017|Ranked No. 35 in the Top 100 Players of 2017]]
* First player with multiple 20-sack seasons (2012, 2014)
* 4× PFWA All-NFL Team (2012, 2013, 2014, 2015)
* 6× AFC Defensive Player of the Month (Sep. 2012, Dec. 2012, Sep. 2014, Dec. 2014, Nov. 2015, Sep. 2018)<ref name=NBC1 />
====Houston Texans franchise records====
* Most career sacks (84.0)
* Most career forced (19) and recovered fumbles (12)
===College===
* [[Lott Trophy]] (2010)
* [[Big Ten Conference|Big Ten Champion]] ([[2010 Big Ten Conference football season|2010]])
* First-team [[All-American]], [[Pro Football Weekly|PFW]] ([[2010 College Football All-America Team|2010]])
* First-team All-Big Ten (2010)
* 3× [[Big Ten]] Defensive Player of the Week (2009–2010)
* Wisconsin Team Co-MVP ([[2010 Wisconsin Badgers football team|2010]])
==Personal life==
Watt played [[ice hockey]] from age three until he was thirteen years old, traveling as far as [[Canada]] and [[Germany]] for tournaments. Watt said that he played "primarily as a center and was a goal scorer."<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/nfl-star-j-j-watts-first-love-was-hockey |title=NFL star J.J. Watt's first love was hockey |last=Sadley |first=Emily |date=October 22, 2015 |website=Sportsnet.ca |access-date=November 17, 2017}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/nfl-star-j-j-watt-maintains-love-for-hockey/c-681464 |title=NFL star J.J. Watt maintains love for hockey |last=Pinchevsky |first=Tal |date=September 5, 2013 |website=NHL |access-date=November 17, 2017}}</ref>
[[File:JJ Watt-Davin Joseph-Warrior Recovery Center-March 2013 (cropped).jpg|thumb|Watt {{small|(right)}} with [[Davin Joseph]] {{small|(second from left)}} and two U.S. soldiers at [[Train Advise Assist Command - South|Regional Command South]] in March 2013]]
While an undergraduate at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Watt delivered pizzas for a Pewaukee [[Pizza Hut]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/texans/2012/10/09/watt-brings-energy-to-undefeated-texans/1623497/ |title=J.J. Watt goes from pizza delivery man to NFL star |last=Corbett |first=Jim |date=October 9, 2012 |website=USA TODAY |access-date=February 23, 2016}}</ref>
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|url=http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl-news/4650549-texans-de-jj-watt-has-a-new-job-vp-of-power-relations-reliant-energy|title=Texans DE J.J. Watt has a new job: VP of Power Relations|work=Sporting News|accessdate=February 23, 2016}}</ref>
On February 15, 2018, [[Baylor College of Medicine]] announced that Watt would receive an [[honorary degree]] from their medical school.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000916457/article/jj-watt-to-receive-an-honorary-degree-from-baylor-university|title=J.J. Watt to Receive an Honorary Degree From Baylor College of Medicine |work=NFL.com|author=Greco, Daniel|date=February 15, 2018}}</ref> On May 29, 2018 He received the degree of Doctor of Humanities in Medicine.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9JNg1I60lE|title=J.J. Watt awarded honorary degree at 2018 Baylor College of Medicine commencement|first=|last=Baylor College of Medicine|date=May 30, 2018|publisher=|accessdate=September 24, 2018|via=YouTube}}</ref>
He is the older brother of [[Los Angeles Chargers]] fullback [[Derek Watt]] and [[Pittsburgh Steelers]] linebacker [[T. J. Watt]].
He is in a relationship with [[Houston Dash]] soccer player [[Kealia Ohai]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/news/jj-watt-twitter-kealia-ohai-return-injury-houston-dash-texans/u0kxie5hn2841mvlso67otshb|title=J.J. Watt sends love to Kealia Ohai ahead of return from ACL injury|date=April 23, 2018|publisher=}}</ref>
==Charitable work==
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, in order for them to get involved in athletics in a safe environment.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.houstonpress.com/news/what-will-jj-watts-foundation-do-for-harvey-victims-9787581|title=J.J. Watt Raised $33 Million for Harvey Relief – But Where Will It Go?|last=Malisow|first=Craig|date=2017-09-14|work=Houston Press|access-date=2018-07-13}}</ref><ref name="Dream Big, Work Hard" /> This foundation's motto, "Dream Big, Work Hard" is sold on wrist bands and T-shirts. Since this foundation was launched in 2010, Watt has raised over $1 million.<ref name="Dream Big, Work Hard">{{cite web|last1=Galehouse|first1=Maggie|title=J.J. Watt Foundation helps kids Dream Big, Work Hard|url=http://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/texans/article/JJ-Watt-foundation-helps-kids-dream-big-work-hard-6498315.php|website=Houston Chronicle|publisher=Houston Chronicle|accessdate=December 5, 2015}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|title=Highlights: J.J. Watt Charity Classic|url=http://www.houstontexans.com/tv-media/videos/Highlights-JJ-Watt-Charity-Classic/d393ace7-ac74-4fa7-ad2a-35fcdb38844f|website=Houston Texans|publisher=Houston Texans|accessdate=December 5, 2015}}</ref> 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.<ref name=jj28>{{cite web|title=JJWatt Foundation|url=http://jjwfoundation.org/|accessdate=November 29, 2014}}</ref> The inaugural Charity Classic game was in 2013, and the 2014 Charity Classic raised over $436,433 towards his foundation.<ref name=jj29>{{cite web|last1=Endress|first1=Alex|title=J.J. Watt Charity Classic raises $436,433 towards afterschool athletics; features tomfoolery|url=http://www.yourhoustonnews.com/fort_bend/news/j-j-watt-charity-classic-raises-towards-afterschool-athletics-features/article_1b7f6a64-d6ee-11e3-8d38-001a4bcf887a.html|accessdate=November 29, 2014}}</ref> On August 26, 2014, Watt received the Texans Spirit of the Bull Community Award.<ref name=jj30>{{cite web|title=J.J. Watt wins team award|url=http://www.houstontexans.com/tv-media/videos/JJ_Watt_wins_team_award/4dffa772-bb38-4e39-8bce-b65e1b82b3b4|accessdate=November 29, 2014}}</ref> 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 service men and women.<ref name=jj31>{{cite web|last1=McClain|first1=John|title=J.J. Watt nominated for NFL's Salute to Service Award|url=http://blog.chron.com/ultimatetexans/2014/11/j-j-watt-nominated-for-nfls-salute-to-service-award/#26328101=0|accessdate=November 29, 2014}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.houstontexans.com/news/article-2/Breakfast-Star-power-at-Watt%E2%80%99s-Charity-Classic/9915f3e0-6dfa-4e43-bb3d-481b0334a095|title=Breakfast: Star power at Watt’s Charity Classic|access-date=2017-05-10}}</ref>
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 while also leaving their two sons, Peter and Aaron handicapped. Their daughter, Willa, suffered minor injuries. Watt met the children at a fundraiser and grew close with 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 news|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1521740-why-jj-watt-should-be-your-favorite-nfl-player|title=Why J.J. Watt Should Be Your Favorite NFL Player|last=Davenport|first=Gary|work=Bleacher Report|access-date=2017-05-10|language=en-US}}</ref>
In 2012, following the [[Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting]], Watt found out some of the families that were affected 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|last1=Litman|first1=Laken|title=5 Coolest J.J. Watt moments|url=http://ftw.usatoday.com/2013/05/5-coolest-j-j-watt-moments-off-the-field|website=For The Win|publisher=For The Win|accessdate=December 5, 2015}}</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|title = Houston Texans' J.J. Watt dresses up like Batman for hospital visit - Houston Texans Blog - ESPN|url = http://espn.go.com/blog/houston-texans/post/_/id/13415/j-j-watt-dresses-up-like-batman-to-surprise-kids-in-hospital|website = ESPN.com|accessdate = 2015-10-16}}</ref>
He also has 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.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Houston Flood Relief Fund - YouCaring.com - Web|url = https://www.youcaring.com/victimsofhurricaneharvey-915053|website = YouCaring.com|accessdate = 2017-09-06}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = J.J. WATT DONATES $100,000 TO HURRICANE HARVEY VICTIMS|url = http://dailycaller.com/2017/08/28/j-j-watt-donates-100000-to-hurricane-harvey-victims/|website = dailycaller|accessdate = 2018-09-18}}</ref>
After the [[Santa Fe High School shooting]] on May 18, 2018 that left eight students and two teachers dead, Watt offered to pay for the funerals of the dead.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Report: J.J. Watt to pay funeral costs of Santa Fe shooting victims|url = https://www.sportsnet.ca/football/nfl/j-j-watt-pay-funeral-costs-santa-fe-shooting-victims/|website = sportsnet.ca|accessdate = May 19, 2018}}</ref>
==References==
{{Reflist|30em|refs=
<ref name=NBC1>{{cite web|last=Gantt|first=Darin|title=J.J. Watt is the AFC defensive player of the month|url=http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/01/03/j-j-watt-is-the-afc-defensive-player-of-the-month/|publisher=NBC Sports|accessdate=January 6, 2013}}</ref>
}}
==External links==
{{Commons category|J. J. Watt}}
* {{Football stats |nfl=2495488 |espn=13979 |pfr=W/WattJ.00}} • [https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/jj-watt-1.html Sports-Reference (college)] ([https://web.archive.org/web/20141204195236/http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/jj-watt-1.html archive])
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20141205172049/http://www.uwbadgers.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/watt_jj00.html Wisconsin Badgers bio]
* [http://www.houstontexans.com/team/roster/J.J.-Watt/b44e970b-c671-4671-a527-8ecc06f5b7b9 Houston Texans profile]
{{Houston Texans roster navbox}}
{{Navboxes
| title = J. J. Watt—awards and honors
| list =
{{Lott Trophy}}
{{2011 NFL Draft}}
{{TexansFirstPick}}
{{Texans2011DraftPicks}}
{{AP Defensive Players of the Year}}
{{Bert Bell Award}}
{{Walter Payton Man of the Year Award}}
{{NFL sack leaders}}
{{NFL Top 100}}
{{SI Sportsman of the Year}}
}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Watt, J.J.}}
[[Category:1989 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:American Conference Pro Bowl players]]
[[Category:American football defensive ends]]
[[Category:American people of Scottish descent]]
[[Category:Central Michigan Chippewas football players]]
[[Category:Houston Texans players]]
[[Category:Players of American football from Wisconsin]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from the Milwaukee metropolitan area]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from Waukesha, Wisconsin]]
[[Category:Unconferenced Pro Bowl players]]
[[Category:Wisconsin Badgers football players]]
{{Infobox NFL biography
| name = J. J. Watt
| image = JJWatt.jpg
| image_size = 200px
| alt =
| caption = Watt with the Houston Texans in 2012
| current_team = Houston Texans
| position = [[Defensive end]] <!-- Please do NOT add the tight end position. Thank you. -->
| number = 99
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1989|3|22|mf=y}}
| birth_place = [[Waukesha, Wisconsin]]
| height_ft = 6
| height_in = 5
| weight_lbs = 295
| high_school = [[Pewaukee High School|Pewaukee]]<br>([[Pewaukee, Wisconsin]])
| college = [[Wisconsin Badgers football|Wisconsin]]
| draftyear = 2011
| draftround = 1
| draftpick = 11
| pastteams =
* [[Houston Texans]] ({{NFL Year|2011}}–present)
| status = Active
| highlights =
* 4× [[Pro Bowl]] ([[2013 Pro Bowl|2012]]–[[2016 Pro Bowl|2015]])
* 4× First-team [[All-Pro]] ([[2012 All-Pro Team|2012]]–[[2015 All-Pro Team|2015]])
* [[Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year]] (2017)
* [[Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year|''Sports Illustrated'' Sportsman of the Year]] (2017)
* 3× [[AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award|NFL Defensive Player of the Year]] (2012, 2014, 2015)
* [[Bert Bell Award]] (2014)
* 2× [[List of National Football League season sacks leaders|NFL sacks leader]] (2012, 2015)
* [[Lott Trophy]] (2010)
* First-team [[College Football All-America Team|All-American]] ([[2010 College Football All-America Team|2010]])
* First-team All-[[Big Ten Conference|Big Ten]] ([[2010 All-Big Ten Conference football team|2010]])
| statleague = NFL
| statweek = 8
| statseason = 2018
| statlabel1 = [[Tackle (football move)|Total tackles]]
| statvalue1 = 424
| statlabel2 = [[Quarterback sack|Sacks]]
| statvalue2 = 84.0
| statlabel3 = [[Pass deflections]]
| statvalue3 = 49
| statlabel4 = [[Fumble|Forced fumbles]]
| statvalue4 = 19
| statlabel5 = [[Interception]]s
| statvalue5 = 1
| statlabel6 = [[Touchdown|Defensive touchdowns]]
| statvalue6 = 2
| statlabel7=[[Reception (American football)|Reception]]s
| statvalue7=3
| statlabel8=[[Touchdown|Receiving touchdowns]]
| statvalue8=3
| nfl = WAT579210
}}
'''Justin James "J. J." Watt''' (born March 22, 1989) is an [[American football]] [[defensive end]] for the [[Houston Texans]] of the [[National Football League]] (NFL). He was drafted by the Texans with the 11th pick in the first round of the [[2011 NFL Draft]], and played [[college football]] at [[Wisconsin Badgers football|Wisconsin]].
Watt received the [[AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award]] three times in his first five seasons.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Rosenthal|first1=Gregg|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|publisher=National Football League|accessdate=February 19, 2015}}</ref> Although primarily a defensive end, he occasionally shifts to [[defensive tackle]] in some situations. He has also taken snaps on offense, catching three touchdown passes during the 2014 season. In 2014, Watt became the first player in NFL history to record two 20+ sack seasons in a career.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Edholm|first1=Eric|title=J.J. Watt becomes only two-time 20-sack player, does so on safety|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-shutdown-corner/j-j--watt-becomes-only-two-time-20-sack-player--does-so-on-safety-210051599.html|work=Yahoo! Sports|accessdate=July 22, 2015}}</ref> He holds the Texans' franchise records for both sacks and forced fumbles. In 2017, ''[[Sports Illustrated]]'' named Watt its Sportsperson of the Year.
==Early life and high school career==
Watt was born on March 22, 1989, in [[Waukesha, Wisconsin]],<ref name=jj1>{{cite web|title=J.J. Watt Stats, News, Video|url=http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/13979/jj-watt|publisher=ESPN|accessdate=November 29, 2014}}</ref> to parents Connie, a building operations vice-president, and John Watt, a firefighter. Both of J.J.'s younger brothers are in the NFL as well – [[Derek Watt]] is a fullback for the [[Los Angeles Chargers]], and [[T. J. Watt]] plays linebacker for the [[Pittsburgh Steelers]]. Watt played hockey from age four to age 13<ref name="jj2">{{Cite web |url=http://www.uwalumni.com/news/badger-mom-connie-watt/ |title=My Three Sons: Badger Mom Proud of Watt Brothers On, Off Field |last=Ashley |first=Schumacher |website=UW Alumni |access-date=November 29, 2014}}</ref> and played for travel 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 |url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=681464 |title=NFL star J.J. Watt maintains love for hockey |last=Pinchevsky |first=Tal |website=NHL.com |access-date=November 29, 2014}}</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|title=Texans' J.J. Watt has high school jersey retired at Pewaukee (Photos)|url=http://www.maxpreps.com/news/H1uWT5iNy0yfYNw5DN425A/texans-jj-watt-has-high-school-jersey-retired-at-pewaukee-%28photos%29.htm}}</ref> During his senior year, he was selected for first-team All-State. 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|accessdate=November 29, 2014|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141205172049/http://www.uwbadgers.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/watt_jj00.html|archivedate=December 5, 2014}}</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=http://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/jj-watt/oOiTe_TnEeKZ5AAmVebBJg/gendersport/football-stats.htm|accessdate=November 29, 2014}}</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 |url=http://mmqb.si.com/2013/09/04/jj-watt-unplugged/ |title=JJ Watt on how he can improve on one of the greatest defensive seasons ever - The MMQB with Peter King |last=King |first=Peter |date=September 4, 2013 |website=The MMQB |access-date=February 23, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://blog.chron.com/ultimatetexans/2012/10/the-life-and-times-of-j-j-watt/#7879101=0|title=The life and times of J.J. Watt|work=Ultimate Texans|accessdate=February 23, 2016}}</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 ft, 11.5 in (18.28 meters).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.athletic.net/TrackAndField/MeetResults.aspx?Meet=30210#3115|title=WIAA State Championships Div II - Track & Field Meet|work=Athletic.net|accessdate=February 23, 2016}}</ref>
===Recruiting===
Regarded as a two-star recruit by both ''[[Rivals.com]]'' and ''[[Scout.com]]'', Watt was ranked neither among the top tight end nor among 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 for Central Michigan under coach [[Butch Jones]].<ref name=jj7>{{cite web|title=JJ Watt|url=https://rivals.yahoo.com/footballrecruiting/football/recruiting/player-JJ-Watt-54719;_ylt=Ai6l8bYaDIz6c.0ZImVoOydDPZB4|website=Rivals.com|accessdate=November 29, 2014}}</ref>
{{College athlete recruit start|40=yes|collapse=no|year=2008}}
{{College athlete recruit entry
| recruit = J. J. Watt
| position = [[Defensive End]]
| hometown = Pewaukee, WI
| highschool = Pewaukee HS
| feet = 6
| inches = 5
| weight = 220
| 40 = 4.70
| commitdate = January 30, 2007
| scout stars = 2
| rivals stars = 2
| espn grade = 63
}}
{{College athlete recruit end
| 40 =
| year = 2007
| rivals ref title = Central Michigan Football Commitments
| scout ref title = 2007 Central Michigan Football Commits
| espn ref title = ESPN
| rivals school = centralmichigan
| scout s = 73
| espn schoolid = 2117
| scout overall = NR
| rivals overall = NR
| espn overall = 172 (DE)
| accessdate = May 20, 2014
| bball =
}}
==College career==
[[File:J.J. Watt.jpg|thumb|upright|Watt after the Badgers vs. Northwestern game in 2010]]
===Central Michigan===
Watt received a scholarship offer from [[Central Michigan University]] and matriculated there. Watt 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 |website=Sports Reference College Football |accessdate=November 29, 2014 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141204195236/http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/jj-watt-1.html |archivedate=December 4, 2014 |df= }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/jj-watt-1/gamelog/2007/ |title=J.J. Watt 2007 Game Log |website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=2018-02-18}}</ref> Watt's coaches, led by Butch 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|last1=Warber|first1=Kyle|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|work= MLive |publisher=[[Booth Newspapers]]|accessdate=November 29, 2014}}</ref>
===Wisconsin===
At the [[University of Wisconsin-Madison]], Watt was redshirted for the 2008 season and was named Wisconsin's Scout Team Player of the Year. In 2009, he played in 13 games as defensive end. In a game against [[Hawaii Rainbow Warriors football|Hawaii]] on December 5, 2009, Watt had a career-high of two sacks for nine yards, three tackles for loss, six tackles, and one quarterback hurry. 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 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/jj-watt-1/gamelog/2009/ |title=J.J. Watt 2009 Game Log |website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=2018-02-18}}</ref> He also earned his first letter. On November 20, 2010, against Michigan, he recorded his first collegiate interception.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2010-11-20-michigan.html |title=Wisconsin at Michigan Box Score, November 20, 2010 |website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=2018-02-18}}</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 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/jj-watt-1/gamelog/2010/ |title=J.J. Watt 2010 Game Log |website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=2018-02-18}}</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 />
===College statistics===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|-
! rowspan="2"| Year
! rowspan="2"| Team
! rowspan="2"| GP
! colspan="4"| Tackles
! colspan="5"| Interceptions
! rowspan="2"| FF
|-
! Comb !! Total !! Ast !! Sack !! Int !! Yards !! Avg !! TD !! PD
|-
! [[2009 NCAA Division I FBS football season|2009]] !! [[2009 Wisconsin Badgers football team|Wisconsin]]
| 13 || 44 || 32 || 12 || 4.5 || 0 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 5 || 2
|-
! [[2010 NCAA Division I FBS football season|2010]] !! [[2010 Wisconsin Badgers football team|Wisconsin]]
| 13 || 62 || 42 || 20 || 7.0 || 1 || 15 || 15.0 || 0 || 0 || 2
|-
! colspan="2"| Career !! 26 !! 106 !! 74 !! 32 !! 11.5 !! 1 !! 15 !! 15.0 !! 0 !! 5 !! 4
|}
==Professional career==
{{NFL predraft
| height ft = 6
| height in = 5 3/8
| weight = 290
| dash = 4.84
| ten split = 1.64
| twenty split = 2.71
| shuttle = 4.21
| cone drill = 6.88
| vertical = 37
| broad ft = 10
| broad in = 0
| bench = 34
| wonderlic = 31<ref>{{cite web|url=http://archive.jsonline.com/sports/packers/119987524.html|title=State NFL draft prospects|last=McGinn|first=Bob|work=JSOnline.com|date=April 16, 2011|accessdate=April 20, 2018|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180420232949/http://archive.jsonline.com/sports/packers/119987524.html|archivedate=April 20, 2018}}</ref>
| arm span = 34
| hand span = 11⅛
| note = All values are from [[NFL Scouting Combine]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/J.J.-Watt?id=2495488#tabs:tab-overview |title=NFL Events: Combine Player Profiles - J.J. Watt |publisher=National Football League |date= |accessdate=October 9, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.draftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=76434&draftyear=2011&genpos=de|title=*J.J. Watt - Wisconsin, DE : 2011 NFL Draft Scout Player Profile|website=www.draftscout.com|accessdate=September 24, 2018}}</ref>
}}
Watt skipped his senior season, entering the 2011 NFL Draft. At the 2011 NFL Combine, Watt 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|accessdate=November 29, 2014}}</ref> On April 28, 2011, he was selected in the first round by the Houston Texans with the 11th overall pick.<ref name=jj12>{{cite web|title=NFL Prospect J.J. Watt|url=http://www.nfl.com/draft/2011/profiles/j.j.-watt?id=2495488|accessdate=November 29, 2014}}</ref> He was the first defensive end to be selected in the 2011 draft.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2011/draft.htm |title=2011 NFL Draft Listing |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=2018-02-18}}</ref> The Texans signed Watt to a four-year, $11.24 million contract on July 31, 2011.<ref name="jj13">{{Cite web |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/news/texans--j-j--watt-seeks--same-appreciation--others-received-with-contract-extensions-155302454.html |title=Texans star J.J. Watt seeks 'same appreciation' that draft mates received with new contracts |last=Robinson |first=Charles |website=Yahoo! Sports |access-date=November 29, 2014}}</ref>
===2011 season===
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.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201109110htx.htm |title=Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans - September 11th, 2011 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=2018-02-18}}</ref> On November 27, against the Jacksonville Jaguars, he had his first multi-sack game with 2.0 in the 20–13 victory.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201111270jax.htm |title=Houston Texans at Jacksonville Jaguars - November 27th, 2011 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=2018-02-18}}</ref> He finished the season with 48 solo tackles, eight assisted tackles, and five and a half sacks. The Texans qualified for the playoffs for the first time in franchise history.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/htx |title=Houston Texans Team Encyclopedia |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=2018-02-18}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/htx/2011.htm |title=2011 Houston Texans Statistics & Players |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=2018-02-18}}</ref> In the playoffs, Watt recorded 11 solo tackles, three assisted tackles, one interception returned for a touchdown, one pass defended, and four sacks in two games against the [[Cincinnati Bengals]] and [[Baltimore Ravens]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201201070htx.htm |title=Wild Card - Cincinnati Bengals at Houston Texans - January 7th, 2012 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=2018-02-18}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201201150rav.htm |title=Divisional Round - Houston Texans at Baltimore Ravens - January 15th, 2012 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=2018-02-18}}</ref> Watt was named Texans Team Rookie of the Year, USA Today All-Joe Team, and Pro-Football Weekly/PWFA All-Rookie Team.<ref name=jj14>{{cite web|title=Houston Texans: J.J. Watt|url=http://www.houstontexans.com/team/roster/jj-watt/b44e970b-c671-4671-a527-8ecc06f5b7b9/|accessdate=November 29, 2014}}</ref>
===2012 season===
In 2012, Watt had one of the best seasons for a defensive player in NFL history. Watt finished the season with 69 solo tackles, 12 assisted tackles, 20.5 sacks, 16 passes defended, four forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. Watt was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Month in September and December.<ref name="jj19"/> 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.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201211220det.htm |title=Houston Texans at Detroit Lions - November 22nd, 2012 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=2018-02-18}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Houston Texans Team History|url=http://www.houstontexans.com/team/history.html|accessdate=November 29, 2014}}</ref> On December 16, against the Indianapolis Colts, he recorded three sacks and ten total tackles in a 29–17 victory.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201212160htx.htm |title=Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans - December 16th, 2012 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=2018-02-18}}</ref> The Texans made the playoffs again in 2012, and Watt recorded six solo tackles, three assisted tackles, two passes defended, two sacks in two games.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/htx/2012.htm |title=2012 Houston Texans Statistics & Players |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=2018-02-18}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201301050htx.htm |title=Wild Card - Cincinnati Bengals at Houston Texans - January 5th, 2013 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=2018-02-18}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201301130nwe.htm |title=Divisional Round - Houston Texans at New England Patriots - January 13th, 2013 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=2018-02-18}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=J.J. Watt Career Stats|url=http://www.foxsports.com/nfl/player/j.j.-watt/careerstats/1268600?seasonState=PostSeason|accessdate=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 |url=http://blog.chron.com/ultimatetexans/2012/12/sack-record-not-on-j-j-watts-mind-after-loss/ |title=Watt sacked in quest for record |last=Ganguli |first=Tania |website=Chron.com |access-date=November 29, 2014}}</ref> Watt was named to the 2013 NFL Pro-Bowl Team on December 26, 2012. 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, NFL 101 AFC Defensive Player of the Year, AP First-Team All-Pro, and the AP Defensive Player of the Year.<ref name="jj19">{{cite web|title=Houston Texans J.J. Watt|url=http://www.houstontexans.com/team/roster/jj-watt/b44e970b-c671-4671-a527-8ecc06f5b7b9/|accessdate=November 29, 2014}}</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|last1=Wilner|first1=Barry|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|accessdate=November 29, 2014}}</ref> Watt was the 17th defensive lineman and only the eighth defensive end to receive the award since 1971.<ref name=jj17>{{cite web|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|accessdate=November 29, 2014}}</ref> Watt also made the highest debut on NFL Network's Top 100 Players list for 2012, coming in at number five.<ref name=jj18>{{cite web|last1=Ganguli|first1=Tania|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|accessdate=November 29, 2014}}</ref>
===2013 season===
[[File:Philip Rivers, JJ Watt, Nick Mangold 2014 Pro Bowl (cropped).jpg|upright|thumb|Watt during the 2014 Pro Bowl]]
Watt had a strong season, but the Texans struggled as a whole, in the 2013 season.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/htx/2013.htm |title=2013 Houston Texans Statistics & Players |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=2018-02-18}}</ref> In Week 2, against the Tennessee Titans, he had his first two sacks of the season in 30–24 win.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201309150htx.htm |title=Tennessee Titans at Houston Texans - September 15th, 2013 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=2018-02-18}}</ref> From Weeks 7–12, he recorded at least one sack in each game.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201310200kan.htm |title=Houston Texans at Kansas City Chiefs - October 20th, 2013 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=2018-02-18}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201311030htx.htm |title=Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans - November 3rd, 2013 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=2018-02-18}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201311100crd.htm |title=Houston Texans at Arizona Cardinals - November 10th, 2013 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=2018-02-18}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201311170htx.htm |title=Oakland Raiders at Houston Texans - November 17th, 2013 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=2018-02-18}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201311240htx.htm |title=Jacksonville Jaguars at Houston Texans - November 24th, 2013 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=2018-02-18}}</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=jj19 /><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WattJ.00/gamelog/2013/ |title=J.J. Watt 2013 Game Log |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=2018-02-18}}</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|accessdate=November 29, 2014}}</ref> Watt was named to the 2014 NFL Pro Bowl and was a Pro Bowl Captain.<ref name=jj19 />
===2014 season===
[[File:J.J. Watt 2014 Pro Bowl.png|thumb|left|upright|Watt during 2014 Pro Bowl coin toss]]
Prior to the start of the 2014 season, the Texans and Watt agreed to a six-year contract extension, worth $100 million.<ref name=jj20>{{cite web|last1=Rosenthal|first1=Gregg|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|accessdate=November 29, 2014}}</ref> Watt received $30.9 million at signing and he will receive $21 million at the start of the 2016 season if he is on the roster. This contract made him the NFL's highest paid non-quarterback, based on average yearly salary.<ref name=jj21>{{cite web|last1=Corry|first1=Joel|title=J.J. Watt's New Contract Makes Him The League's Highest Paid Non-Quarterback|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/09/03/jj-watt-new-deal_n_5760724.html|accessdate=November 29, 2014}}</ref>
In a game against the [[Oakland Raiders]], on September 14, 2014, Watt became the first defensive player in Texans history to score a touchdown from scrimmage. Watt scored the touchdown on a one-yard catch after coming into the game as a tight end.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201409140rai.htm |title=Houston Texans at Oakland Raiders - September 14th, 2014 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=2018-02-18}}</ref><ref name=jj22>{{cite web|last1=Sidhu|first1=Deepi|title=J.J. Watt scores offensive TD at Oakland|url=http://www.houstontexans.com/news/article-2/JJ-Watt-scores-offensive-TD-at-Oakland/87f12f3f-6529-49ce-9389-d28834c4b1bb|accessdate=November 29, 2014}}</ref> Watt scored his second touchdown of the season on September 28, 2014, against the Buffalo Bills. Watt picked off a pass from Buffalo's E.J. Manuel that was intended for Fred Jackson, and returned 80 yards for the touchdown.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201409280htx.htm |title=Buffalo Bills at Houston Texans - September 28th, 2014 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=2018-02-18}}</ref> With this touchdown, Watt became tied at sixth for the longest interception return by a defensive lineman. Watt's touchdown was also the fourth longest interception return in Houston Texans history.<ref name=jj23>{{cite web|last1=Sidhu|first1=Deepi|title=J.J. Watt scores on pick-six|url=http://www.houstontexans.com/news/article-2/JJ-Watt-scores-offensive-TD-at-Oakland/87f12f3f-6529-49ce-9389-d28834c4b1bb|accessdate=November 29, 2014}}</ref> During the game, Watt hit Manuel nine times, but was flagged twice for roughing the passer. Watt was fined $16,537 for only one of the incidents.<ref name=jj24>{{cite web|last1=Smith|first1=Michael David|title=J.J. Watt fined for roughing EJ Manuel|url=http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/10/03/j-j-watt-fined-for-roughing-ej-manuel/|accessdate=November 29, 2014}}</ref> Watt was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Month for September.<ref name=jj25>{{cite web|last1=Patra|first1=Kevin|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|accessdate=November 29, 2014}}</ref>
In a game against the Indianapolis Colts, on October 9, 2014, Watt forced Colts quarterback [[Andrew Luck]] to fumble the ball. Watt recovered the ball and returned 45 yards for the touchdown.<ref name=jj26>{{cite web|last1=Machir|first1=Troy|title=J.J. Watt forces and recovers fumble, scores third TD of season|url=http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/story/2014-10-09/jj-watt-touchdown-video-fumble-return-texans-colts-andrew-luck|accessdate=November 29, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201410090htx.htm |title=Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans - October 9th, 2014 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=2018-02-18}}</ref>
For his fourth touchdown of the season, Watt caught a two-yard touchdown pass from Texans quarterback, Ryan Mallett, for Mallett's first career touchdown pass. Watt recorded 4 solo tackles, one assisted tackle, one sack, one forced fumble, and fumble recovery in the same game, which was on November 16, 2014, against the Cleveland Browns.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201411160cle.htm |title=Houston Texans at Cleveland Browns - November 16th, 2014 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=2018-02-18}}</ref><ref name=jj27>{{cite web|title=Texans defensive star J.J. Watt scores fourth touchdown of the season|url=http://www.foxnews.com/sports/2014/11/16/texans-defensive-star-jj-watt-scores-fourth-touchdown-season/|accessdate=November 29, 2014}}</ref>
Watt scored his fifth touchdown on November 30, 2014, catching a one-yard pass from [[Ryan Fitzpatrick]], the Texans quarterback.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201411300htx.htm |title=Tennessee Titans at Houston Texans - November 30th, 2014 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=2018-02-18}}</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|last1=Ganguli|first1=Tania|title=J.J. Watt scores 5th TD of season|url=http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/11959779/jj-watt-houston-texans-1st-d-lineman-5-tds-season-1944|accessdate=December 1, 2014}}</ref>
On December 21, Watt recorded his 54th sack as a Texan in a 25–13 win against the [[Baltimore Ravens]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201412210htx.htm |title=Baltimore Ravens at Houston Texans - December 21st, 2014 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=2018-02-18}}</ref> With that sack, he surpassed [[Mario Williams]] as the franchise leader in sacks. On December 28, 2014, Watt had a sack for his first career safety against the [[Jacksonville Jaguars]] which gave him three sacks on the day<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201412070jax.htm |title=Houston Texans at Jacksonville Jaguars - December 7th, 2014 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=2018-02-18}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/video/houston-wins-division-defensive-weapons-234133965.html|title=Houston wins division with defensive weapons|work=Sports Illustrated|type=Video|access-date=2016-06-25|via=Yahoo!}}</ref> and 20.5 on the season, becoming the first player in NFL history to have 20 or more sacks in separate seasons.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.endzonescore.com/video-j-j-watts-touchdowns-2014/|title=Video: J.J. Watt's Touchdowns in 2014|work=EndZoneScore|accessdate=February 23, 2016}}</ref> Watt also finished the season with a career-high 5 fumble recoveries and 5 touchdowns.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WattJ.00/gamelog/2014/ |title=J.J. Watt 2014 Game Log |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=2018-02-18}}</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]]. Watt was also named to the [[2015 Pro Bowl]] where [[Cris Carter]], team captain of Team Carter, selected Watt to be his captain on defense. During the game, Watt recorded a fumble recovery and an interception and after the game was named Defensive MVP. He also won the Defensive Player of the Year award, one of the few to win the award multiple times, and became the first defensive player since 2008 to get votes for the MVP award, receiving 13.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://espn.go.com/blog/houston-texans/post/_/id/9944/mvp-voters-took-note-of-jj-watts-historic-season|title=MVP voters took note of J.J. Watt's historic season|work=ESPN.com|accessdate=February 23, 2016}}</ref> After the season, Watt was named to the top spot in the [[NFL Top 100 Players of 2015]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-top100-2015/0ap3000000500558/Top-100-Players-of-2015-No-1-J-J-Watt |title='Top 100 Players of 2015': No. 1 J.J. Watt |website=NFL.com |language=en |access-date=2018-02-18}}</ref>
===2015 season===
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, 8 passes defended, 3 forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery. In the regular season finale, against the Jacksonville Jaguars, he had a season-high three sacks to go along with eight total tackles.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201601030htx.htm |title=Jacksonville Jaguars at Houston Texans - January 3rd, 2016 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=2018-02-18}}</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]] to do so. 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.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/htx/2015.htm |title=2015 Houston Texans Statistics & Players |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=2018-02-18}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201601090htx.htm |title=Wild Card - Kansas City Chiefs at Houston Texans - January 9th, 2016 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=2018-02-18}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WattJ.00/gamelog/2015/ |title=J.J. Watt 2015 Game Log |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=2018-02-18}}</ref> On January 12, 2016, Watt underwent groin surgery for a sports hernia.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Ganguli|first1=Tania|title=Texans DE Watt undergoes groin surgery.|url=http://espn.go.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/195743/j-j-watt-has-groin-surgery-in-philadelphia|website=espn.go.com|publisher=ESPN|accessdate=January 12, 2016}}</ref> This forced Watt to withdraw from the 2016 Pro Bowl. This was his fourth straight Pro Bowl honors to go along with his fourth straight first-team All-Pro. He was ranked as the top defensive lineman and the third best player on the [[NFL Top 100 Players of 2016]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-top100-2016/0ap3000000673257/Top-100-Players-of-2016-No-3-JJ-Watt|title='Top 100 Players of 2016': No. 2 Tom Brady|website=NFL.com}}</ref>
===2016 season===
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 [[Chicago Bears]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201609110htx.htm |title=Chicago Bears at Houston Texans - September 11th, 2016 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=2018-02-18}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Wesseling |first1=Chris |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 |publisher=NFL |accessdate=July 21, 2016}}</ref> In Week 2, he had 1.5 sacks and five total tackles against the Kansas City Chiefs.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201609180htx.htm |title=Kansas City Chiefs at Houston Texans - September 18th, 2016 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=2018-02-18}}</ref> On September 22, in the game against the New England Patriots, he recorded two assisted tackles in last action of the season.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201609220nwe.htm |title=Houston Texans at New England Patriots - September 22nd, 2016 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=2018-02-18}}</ref> On September 28, 2016, he was placed on [[injured reserve]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Texans place J.J. Watt on Reserve/Injured |url=http://www.houstontexans.com/news/article-2/Texans-place-JJ-Watt-on-ReserveInjured/4fa55e55-ceff-4027-92a8-e6b28a62b833 |website=HoustonTexans.com |accessdate=September 28, 2016}}</ref> The following day, he underwent back surgery again, and was officially ruled out for the rest of the 2016 season after playing three games and recording 1.5 sacks.<ref>{{cite web |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 |publisher=NFL |accessdate=September 29, 2016}}</ref> Even though Watt played in only three games, he was ranked 35th on the [[NFL Top 100 Players of 2017]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://a.video.nfl.com/films/2016/NFL_NETWORK/show/NFLCOM/OFF/19/170605_top100_watt_900882_700k.mp4|title=NFL Top 100 Players of 2017 - No. 35 J. J. Watt|publisher=}}</ref>
===2017 season===
Watt returned from his injury to play in the season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201709100htx.htm |title=Jacksonville Jaguars at Houston Texans - September 10th, 2017 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=2018-02-18}}</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|last1=Wilson|first1=Aaron|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|publisher=Houston Chronicle}}</ref> He underwent surgery the next day and was ruled out the remainder of the season.<ref>{{cite web|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|author=Patra, Kevin|website=NFL.com|date=October 9, 2017}}</ref> In only 5 games, Watt finished with 11 tackles and 2 passes defended.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Bergman|first1=Jeremy|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|publisher=NFL|accessdate=October 9, 2017}}</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|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/|title=‘I can't sugarcoat it, I am devastated’: J.J. Watt apologizes to Houston after breaking leg|last=Boren|first=Cindy|date=2017-10-09|work=Washington Post|access-date=2017-10-09|language=en-US|issn=0190-8286}}</ref> Watt was co-named [[Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year]] for 2017 for his humanitarian efforts. Watt was named [[Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award|Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000913884/article/running-list-of-2018-nfl-honors-award-winners|title=Complete list of tonight's 'NFL Honors' award winners|work=NFL.com|access-date=2018-02-04|language=en}}</ref>
===2018 season===
Watt returned from his injury in time for the season opener against the New England Patriots. After being held without a sack in the first two weeks, Watt collected three sacks and eight combined tackles in Week 3 against the [[2018 New York Giants season|New York Giants]], his first sacks since Week 2 of 2016.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.houstontexans.com/news/j-j-watt-gets-first-sack-of-2018 |title=J.J. Watt has historic 3-sack day |work=Houston Texans |access-date=2018-10-09 |language=en-US}}</ref> He followed that up with two sacks the following week 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|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|website=NFL.com|date=October 4, 2018}}</ref>
==NFL career statistics==
{| class="wikitable"
| colspan="2"|<center>Legend</center>
|-
| style="background:#cfecec; width:3em;"|
|Led the league
|-
| style="background:#00FFFF; width:3em;"|
| [[NFL Defensive Player of the Year]]
|-
| '''Bold'''
|Career high
|}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|-
! rowspan="2"| Year
! rowspan="2"| Team
! colspan="2"| Games
! colspan="4"| Tackles
! colspan="4"| Fumbles
! colspan="6"| Interceptions
! colspan="2"| Other
! colspan="6"| Receiving
|-
! GP !! GS !! Comb !! Solo !! Ast !! Sack !! FF !! FR !! Yds !! TD !! Int !! Yds !! Avg !! Lng !! TD !! PD !! Sfty !! KB !! Rec !! Tgts !! Yards !! Avg !! Long !! TD
|-
! [[2011 NFL season|2011]] || [[2011 Houston Texans season|HOU]]
| 16 || 16 || 56 || 48 || 8 || 5.5 || 0 || 2 || 2 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 4 || 0 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0
|-
! style="background:#00FFFF; width:3em;"|[[2012 NFL season|2012]] || [[2012 Houston Texans season|HOU]]
| 16 || 16 ||'''81'''||'''69'''|| 12 || style="background:#cfecec; width:3em;"|'''20.5''' ||'''4'''|| 2 || 7 || 0 || 0|| 0 || 0 || 0 || 0||'''16'''|| 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0
|-
! [[2013 NFL season|2013]] || [[2013 Houston Texans season|HOU]]
| 16 || 16 || 80 || 65 || 15 || 10.5 ||'''4'''|| 2 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 7 || 0 ||'''2'''|| 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0
|-
! style="background:#00FFFF; width:3em;"|[[2014 NFL season|2014]] || [[2014 Houston Texans season|HOU]]
| 16 || 16 || 78 || 59 ||'''19'''||'''20.5''' ||'''4'''||'''5'''||'''59'''||'''1''' ||'''1'''||'''80'''||'''80'''||'''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 || 3 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 8 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0
|-
! [[2016 NFL season|2016]] || [[2016 Houston Texans season|HOU]]
| 3 || 3 || 8 || 1 || 7 || 1.5 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0
|-
! [[2017 NFL season|2017]] || [[2017 Houston Texans season|HOU]]
| 5 || 5 || 15 || 11 || 4 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 2 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0
|-
! [[2018 NFL season|2018]] ||[[2018 Houston Texans season|HOU]]
| 8 || 8 || 30 || 23 || 7 || 8.0 || 4 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 2 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0
|-
! align=center colspan="2" |Career || 91 || 91 || 424 || 333 || 91 || 84.0 || 19 || 12 || 68 || 1 || 1 || 80 || 80 || 1 || 1 || 49 || 1 || 4 || 3 || 4 || 4 || 1.3 || 2 || 3
|}
==Awards and highlights==
===NFL===
* 4× [[Pro Bowl]] selection ([[2013 Pro Bowl|2012]], [[2014 Pro Bowl|2013]], [[2015 Pro Bowl|2014]], [[2016 Pro Bowl|2015]])
* 4× First-team [[All-Pro]] selection ([[2012 All-Pro Team|2012]], [[2013 All-Pro Team|2013]], [[2014 All-Pro Team|2014]], [[2015 All-Pro Team|2015]])
* 3× [[AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year|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)
* 3× [[Kansas City Committee of 101 awards#Defensive Player of the Year Awards|Kansas City Committee of 101 AFC Defensive Player of the Year]] (2012, 2014, 2015)
* 2× [[List of National Football League annual sacks leaders|NFL sacks leader]] (2012, 2015)
* [[AP NFL MVP]] runner-up (2014)
* [[Bert Bell Award]] (2014)
* [[Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year]] (2017)
* [[Pro Bowl MVP|Pro Bowl Defensive MVP]] ([[2015 Pro Bowl|2014]])
* [[NFL Top 100 Players of 2013|Ranked No. 5 in the Top 100 Players of 2013]]
* [[NFL Top 100 Players of 2014|Ranked No. 12 in the Top 100 Players of 2014]]
* [[NFL Top 100 Players of 2015|Ranked No. 1 in the Top 100 Players of 2015]]
* [[NFL Top 100 Players of 2016|Ranked No. 3 in the Top 100 Players of 2016]]
* [[NFL Top 100 Players of 2017|Ranked No. 35 in the Top 100 Players of 2017]]
* First player with multiple 20-sack seasons (2012, 2014)
* 4× PFWA All-NFL Team (2012, 2013, 2014, 2015)
* 6× AFC Defensive Player of the Month (Sep. 2012, Dec. 2012, Sep. 2014, Dec. 2014, Nov. 2015, Sep. 2018)<ref name=NBC1 />
====Houston Texans franchise records====
* Most career sacks (84.0)
* Most career forced (19) and recovered fumbles (12)
===College===
* [[Lott Trophy]] (2010)
* [[Big Ten Conference|Big Ten Champion]] ([[2010 Big Ten Conference football season|2010]])
* First-team [[All-American]], [[Pro Football Weekly|PFW]] ([[2010 College Football All-America Team|2010]])
* First-team All-Big Ten (2010)
* 3× [[Big Ten]] Defensive Player of the Week (2009–2010)
* Wisconsin Team Co-MVP ([[2010 Wisconsin Badgers football team|2010]])
==Personal life==
Watt played [[ice hockey]] from age three until he was thirteen years old, traveling as far as [[Canada]] and [[Germany]] for tournaments. Watt said that he played "primarily as a center and was a goal scorer."<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/nfl-star-j-j-watts-first-love-was-hockey |title=NFL star J.J. Watt's first love was hockey |last=Sadley |first=Emily |date=October 22, 2015 |website=Sportsnet.ca |access-date=November 17, 2017}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/nfl-star-j-j-watt-maintains-love-for-hockey/c-681464 |title=NFL star J.J. Watt maintains love for hockey |last=Pinchevsky |first=Tal |date=September 5, 2013 |website=NHL |access-date=November 17, 2017}}</ref>
[[File:JJ Watt-Davin Joseph-Warrior Recovery Center-March 2013 (cropped).jpg|thumb|Watt {{small|(right)}} with [[Davin Joseph]] {{small|(second from left)}} and two U.S. soldiers at [[Train Advise Assist Command - South|Regional Command South]] in March 2013]]
While an undergraduate at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Watt delivered pizzas for a Pewaukee [[Pizza Hut]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/texans/2012/10/09/watt-brings-energy-to-undefeated-texans/1623497/ |title=J.J. Watt goes from pizza delivery man to NFL star |last=Corbett |first=Jim |date=October 9, 2012 |website=USA TODAY |access-date=February 23, 2016}}</ref>
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|url=http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl-news/4650549-texans-de-jj-watt-has-a-new-job-vp-of-power-relations-reliant-energy|title=Texans DE J.J. Watt has a new job: VP of Power Relations|work=Sporting News|accessdate=February 23, 2016}}</ref>
On February 15, 2018, [[Baylor College of Medicine]] announced that Watt would receive an [[honorary degree]] from their medical school.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000916457/article/jj-watt-to-receive-an-honorary-degree-from-baylor-university|title=J.J. Watt to Receive an Honorary Degree From Baylor College of Medicine |work=NFL.com|author=Greco, Daniel|date=February 15, 2018}}</ref> On May 29, 2018 He received the degree of Doctor of Humanities in Medicine.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9JNg1I60lE|title=J.J. Watt awarded honorary degree at 2018 Baylor College of Medicine commencement|first=|last=Baylor College of Medicine|date=May 30, 2018|publisher=|accessdate=September 24, 2018|via=YouTube}}</ref>
He is the older brother of [[Los Angeles Chargers]] fullback [[Derek Watt]] and [[Pittsburgh Steelers]] linebacker [[T. J. Watt]].
He is in a relationship with [[Houston Dash]] soccer player [[Kealia Ohai]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/news/jj-watt-twitter-kealia-ohai-return-injury-houston-dash-texans/u0kxie5hn2841mvlso67otshb|title=J.J. Watt sends love to Kealia Ohai ahead of return from ACL injury|date=April 23, 2018|publisher=}}</ref>
==Charitable work==
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, in order for them to get involved in athletics in a safe environment.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.houstonpress.com/news/what-will-jj-watts-foundation-do-for-harvey-victims-9787581|title=J.J. Watt Raised $33 Million for Harvey Relief – But Where Will It Go?|last=Malisow|first=Craig|date=2017-09-14|work=Houston Press|access-date=2018-07-13}}</ref><ref name="Dream Big, Work Hard" /> This foundation's motto, "Dream Big, Work Hard" is sold on wrist bands and T-shirts. Since this foundation was launched in 2010, Watt has raised over $1 million.<ref name="Dream Big, Work Hard">{{cite web|last1=Galehouse|first1=Maggie|title=J.J. Watt Foundation helps kids Dream Big, Work Hard|url=http://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/texans/article/JJ-Watt-foundation-helps-kids-dream-big-work-hard-6498315.php|website=Houston Chronicle|publisher=Houston Chronicle|accessdate=December 5, 2015}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|title=Highlights: J.J. Watt Charity Classic|url=http://www.houstontexans.com/tv-media/videos/Highlights-JJ-Watt-Charity-Classic/d393ace7-ac74-4fa7-ad2a-35fcdb38844f|website=Houston Texans|publisher=Houston Texans|accessdate=December 5, 2015}}</ref> 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.<ref name=jj28>{{cite web|title=JJWatt Foundation|url=http://jjwfoundation.org/|accessdate=November 29, 2014}}</ref> The inaugural Charity Classic game was in 2013, and the 2014 Charity Classic raised over $436,433 towards his foundation.<ref name=jj29>{{cite web|last1=Endress|first1=Alex|title=J.J. Watt Charity Classic raises $436,433 towards afterschool athletics; features tomfoolery|url=http://www.yourhoustonnews.com/fort_bend/news/j-j-watt-charity-classic-raises-towards-afterschool-athletics-features/article_1b7f6a64-d6ee-11e3-8d38-001a4bcf887a.html|accessdate=November 29, 2014}}</ref> On August 26, 2014, Watt received the Texans Spirit of the Bull Community Award.<ref name=jj30>{{cite web|title=J.J. Watt wins team award|url=http://www.houstontexans.com/tv-media/videos/JJ_Watt_wins_team_award/4dffa772-bb38-4e39-8bce-b65e1b82b3b4|accessdate=November 29, 2014}}</ref> 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 service men and women.<ref name=jj31>{{cite web|last1=McClain|first1=John|title=J.J. Watt nominated for NFL's Salute to Service Award|url=http://blog.chron.com/ultimatetexans/2014/11/j-j-watt-nominated-for-nfls-salute-to-service-award/#26328101=0|accessdate=November 29, 2014}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.houstontexans.com/news/article-2/Breakfast-Star-power-at-Watt%E2%80%99s-Charity-Classic/9915f3e0-6dfa-4e43-bb3d-481b0334a095|title=Breakfast: Star power at Watt’s Charity Classic|access-date=2017-05-10}}</ref>
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 while also leaving their two sons, Peter and Aaron handicapped. Their daughter, Willa, suffered minor injuries. Watt met the children at a fundraiser and grew close with 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 news|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1521740-why-jj-watt-should-be-your-favorite-nfl-player|title=Why J.J. Watt Should Be Your Favorite NFL Player|last=Davenport|first=Gary|work=Bleacher Report|access-date=2017-05-10|language=en-US}}</ref>
In 2012, following the [[Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting]], Watt found out some of the families that were affected 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|last1=Litman|first1=Laken|title=5 Coolest J.J. Watt moments|url=http://ftw.usatoday.com/2013/05/5-coolest-j-j-watt-moments-off-the-field|website=For The Win|publisher=For The Win|accessdate=December 5, 2015}}</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|title = Houston Texans' J.J. Watt dresses up like Batman for hospital visit - Houston Texans Blog - ESPN|url = http://espn.go.com/blog/houston-texans/post/_/id/13415/j-j-watt-dresses-up-like-batman-to-surprise-kids-in-hospital|website = ESPN.com|accessdate = 2015-10-16}}</ref>
He also has 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.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Houston Flood Relief Fund - YouCaring.com - Web|url = https://www.youcaring.com/victimsofhurricaneharvey-915053|website = YouCaring.com|accessdate = 2017-09-06}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = J.J. WATT DONATES $100,000 TO HURRICANE HARVEY VICTIMS|url = http://dailycaller.com/2017/08/28/j-j-watt-donates-100000-to-hurricane-harvey-victims/|website = dailycaller|accessdate = 2018-09-18}}</ref>
After the [[Santa Fe High School shooting]] on May 18, 2018 that left eight students and two teachers dead, Watt offered to pay for the funerals of the dead.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Report: J.J. Watt to pay funeral costs of Santa Fe shooting victims|url = https://www.sportsnet.ca/football/nfl/j-j-watt-pay-funeral-costs-santa-fe-shooting-victims/|website = sportsnet.ca|accessdate = May 19, 2018}}</ref>
==References==
{{Reflist|30em|refs=
<ref name=NBC1>{{cite web|last=Gantt|first=Darin|title=J.J. Watt is the AFC defensive player of the month|url=http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/01/03/j-j-watt-is-the-afc-defensive-player-of-the-month/|publisher=NBC Sports|accessdate=January 6, 2013}}</ref>
}}
==External links==
{{Commons category|J. J. Watt}}
* {{Football stats |nfl=2495488 |espn=13979 |pfr=W/WattJ.00}} • [https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/jj-watt-1.html Sports-Reference (college)] ([https://web.archive.org/web/20141204195236/http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/jj-watt-1.html archive])
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20141205172049/http://www.uwbadgers.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/watt_jj00.html Wisconsin Badgers bio]
* [http://www.houstontexans.com/team/roster/J.J.-Watt/b44e970b-c671-4671-a527-8ecc06f5b7b9 Houston Texans profile]
{{Houston Texans roster navbox}}
{{Navboxes
| title = J. J. Watt—awards and honors
| list =
{{Lott Trophy}}
{{2011 NFL Draft}}
{{TexansFirstPick}}
{{Texans2011DraftPicks}}
{{AP Defensive Players of the Year}}
{{Bert Bell Award}}
{{Walter Payton Man of the Year Award}}
{{NFL sack leaders}}
{{NFL Top 100}}
{{SI Sportsman of the Year}}
}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Watt, J.J.}}
[[Category:1989 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:American Conference Pro Bowl players]]
[[Category:American football defensive ends]]
[[Category:American people of Scottish descent]]
[[Category:Central Michigan Chippewas football players]]
[[Category:Houston Texans players]]
[[Category:Players of American football from Wisconsin]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from the Milwaukee metropolitan area]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from Waukesha, Wisconsin]]
[[Category:Unconferenced Pro Bowl players]]
[[Category:Wisconsin Badgers football players]]
