J.J. Watt

J.J. Watt is recognized as one of the top defensive players in National Football League history. After playing college football at the University of Wisconsin, where he earned the Lott IMPACT Trophy, First-Team All-American honors, and First-Team All-Big Ten recognition, Watt was selected by the Houston Texans in the first round of the NFL Draft. In his rookie season, he earned Texans Team Rookie of the Year honors and a spot on the All-Rookie Team.

During his 12-season NFL career, Watt established a reputation as a dominant defensive end. He was named AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year three times, tying Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor for the most wins of the award. Watt became the first player in NFL history to record two seasons with 20 or more sacks and remains the only player to achieve 20-plus sacks and 10-plus passes defensed in the same season, a feat accomplished twice. He earned five First-Team All-Pro selections, five Pro Bowl appearances, and was named to the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team. Watt holds the Houston Texans' franchise records for sacks and forced fumbles, finishing his career with 114.5 sacks, 586 total tackles, and 27 forced fumbles across 151 games.

Throughout his career, Watt overcame significant injuries, including back surgeries, a broken leg, a torn pectoral muscle, and a severe shoulder injury requiring reconstruction. His resilience became a defining aspect of his legacy, reflected in his personal motto: "Dream Big, Work Hard." Off the field, Watt raised more than $37 million for victims of Hurricane Harvey, an effort that earned him the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award and Sports Illustrated's Sportsperson of the Year honor. He was inducted into the Houston Texans Ring of Honor, solidifying his place in franchise history.

Following his retirement, Watt has remained active in the sports industry. He joined CBS Sports as a studio analyst on "The NFL Today," sharing his football expertise with a national audience. Watt also became a minority investor in Burnley Football Club, expanding his involvement in sports ownership. He was named an inductee into the Houston Sports Hall of Fame. Watt's career spans professional football, sports broadcasting, philanthropy, and sports investment, making him a prominent figure in the sports world.