J.J. Watt is widely considered among the greatest defensive players in the NFL, and it’s easy to see why. In a career where he has twice led the NFL in sacks, the lineman accumulated 114 sacks, setting the record for the Houston Texans. Here are some of his most memorable moments during his impressive time in the sport.
Watt’s First Career Sack (2011)
In his rookie season, Watt introduced himself to the NFL with a commanding sack on Drew Brees in a game against the New Orleans Saints. He celebrated by saluting the crowd, signaling the beginning of a signature sack celebration from the player.
Dominance Against the Lions: Thanksgiving Day (2012)
On Thanksgiving Day 2012, Watt delivered a stunning performance against the Detroit Lions, recording three sacks. With a total of 14.5 sacks, the defensive star broke the Texans’ sack record in a season, and his contribution led to a Texans victory.
The Colts Showdown (2012)
Later that season, on December 16, Watt again faced off against the Indianapolis Colts. He recorded another three sacks in this game, helping the Texans clinch a playoff spot, and he won the Defensive Player of the Year accolade, garnering 49 out of 50 votes.
Watt’s Pick-Six (2011 Wild Card Game)
Known as a defensive talent, J.J. Watt brought a different facet to his game with a stunning play against the Cincinnati Bengals. As a newbie in the 2011 Wild Card Game, he intercepted Andy Dalton’s pass and sprinted 29 yards for a touchdown, marking one of the most iconic moments of his career.
Game-Saving Sack Against the Jaguars (2014)
In a critical division matchup in 2014, Watt secured the victory for the Texans against the Jaguars. Late in the fourth quarter, Watt broke through the offensive line, delivering a game-winning sack on quarterback Blake Bortles. The sack made him the first player in the NFL to have 20 or more sacks in two seasons.
Pick-Six vs. Buffalo (2014)
Watt struck again in 2014 with an unforgettable interception returned for a touchdown against the Bills. Dropping into coverage, he read the play perfectly, intercepted EJ Manuel’s pass, and sprinted into the end zone for a 79-yard score, completing the Texans’ comeback to win the game.
Sack in Final Game (2023)
In Watt’s final NFL game in 2023 with the Arizona Cardinals, the star ended his career on a high, hitting two sacks against the San Francisco 49ers. While the Cardinals lost, the game was a fitting conclusion to his Hall of Fame-worthy stint in the sport.
Back to The Top
2016 and 2017 were difficult years for Watt; he missed a massive chunk of the two seasons due to injuries and collectively played fewer than ten games. 2018 was different, though, as he returned with a hunger to perform, and in Week 3, he raked in 3 sacks in the defeat against the New York Giants.
100 Sacks Milestone
In the game against Jacksonville in 2020, Watt hit 100 sacks, becoming the fifth fastest player to reach that impressive figure. The star etched his name in the history books in the win, hitting the sack on Jake Luton. That milestone set him on his way to becoming the Texans career sacks record holder.
Incomparable Season
The 2012 season is widely considered among Watt’s best, and it’s easy to see why. He delivered memorable performances, finishing the year with 20.5 sacks and 69 solo tackles, and he defended 16 passes. Moreover, he took home the AP Defensive Player of the Year trophy and was named to the NFL Pro Bowl team of 2013.
Return Following Injury (2019)
After undergoing surgery for an injury to his pectoral muscle, Watt made a remarkable comeback during the 2019 playoffs against the Buffalo Bills. His presence was felt as he recorded a crucial sack on Josh Allen that helped spark the Texans’ dramatic comeback to win in overtime.
Last Appearance For The Texans
Watt had an incredibly successful career with the Houston Texans, and in what would be his last game with the team, he recorded a sack against the Indianapolis Colts. The player was released in February 2021, having spent ten years in Houston.
Unforgettable 2015 Season
The 2015 season was quite important for Watt, as he competed in all 16 games despite suffering a groin injury. Still, that didn’t stop him from leading the league with 17.5 sacks, with the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars seeing him get a season-high three sacks.
Walter Payton Man of the Year (2017)
Watt’s contributions extended beyond the field, as he was honored with the Walter Payton Man of the Year award in 2017. This accolade recognized his philanthropic work, particularly during Hurricane Harvey, when he raised over $40 million for relief efforts.
J.J. Watt’s Memorable NFL Moments