NFL’s Mount Rushmore Honors J.J. Watt: A Look at the All-Pro Defensive End’s Impressive College and Professional Career

J.J. Watt, the former Wisconsin defensive end, was honored last week by being included in the NFL’s Mount Rushmore for all-time Houston Texans. He joined other All-Pros such as Duane Brown (LT), DeAndre Hopkins (WR), and 2024 Hall of Famer Andre Johnson (WR) on this prestigious list. The Texans, who started in 2002, have a relatively short history compared to other NFL franchises and are known to welcome younger players into their upper echelon due to their youthful age.

During his three years at the University of Wisconsin, Watt achieved numerous accolades such as winning the Lott IMPACT Trophy, being named team MVP, and earning a spot on the consensus first-team All-Big Ten team as a defensive end. In his senior year, he led the team in various categories like TFLs, sacks, quarterback hurries, forced fumbles, and blocked kicks. Watt finished his college career ranked third all-time in UW history with four career blocked kicks, a skill that he continued to showcase in the NFL.

The Houston Texans drafted Watt with the 11th overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. He made an immediate impact as an edge rusher, recording a league-high 20.5 sacks and 39 TFLs in his second season, earning him his first AP Defensive Player of the Year Award. Throughout his career, Watt was recognized with three Defensive Player of the Year awards