Former Wisconsin Badgers Defensive End Inducted into Houston Texans Ring of Honor

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By Chris Drosehn | Last updated 10/1/23

It’s your usual beginning to October. Leaves are changing, the weather’s getting cooler in some parts of the country, and football is on all Sunday long. However, today was a different type of day when the Houston Texans celebrated JJ Watt before the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. His brother TJ Watt was in attendance for the momentous occasion, as he plays for the Steelers.

“H-Town, I love you” – @JJWatt pic.twitter.com/AEE4p5IOWf

— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) October 1, 2023

A Stellar 10-Year Career with the Houston Texans

The Houston Texans honor individuals who are pivotal in the success of the organization, and for 10 of his 12 years, JJ Watt put on the Texans uniform. He was drafted out of Wisconsin after his stellar 2010 season that netted him to be chosen 11th overall in the NFL Draft.

From there, JJ Watt enjoyed plenty of success, capturing three Defensive Player of the Year awards. He was even second in MVP voting in his 2014 season, where he recorded 20.5 sacks with 78 total tackles. Watt ended his career in Houston with 101 sacks, a franchise record. He also forced fumbles 25 times, another franchise record for the former Badger. JJ Watt leads the Texans in most categories in history and helped bring the team to six playoff appearances.

Wisconsin Badgers Career

JJ Watt played with Bucky for two years, from 2009-2010. His 2010 season is what really stood out when he led the team in sacks, tackles for loss, forced fumbles, and quarterback hurries. He was 7th in college football in Tackles for a Loss with his 21. JJ Watt was named MVP of the team and helped lead them to their co-champion crown with Michigan State. They played in the Rose Bowl and lost to TCU.

This article first appeared on WI Sports Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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