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Houston Sports: The ten best athletes to ever represent the city of Houston

By Joe Fernandez

Jan 3, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; A general aerial view of the downtown Houston skyline prior to the game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; A general aerial view of the downtown Houston skyline prior to the game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 23, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) talks with the media after OTA practices at Houston Methodist Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
May 23, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) talks with the media after OTA practices at Houston Methodist Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

J.J. Watt

Though his career is not over, J.J. Watt certainly has elevated the face of Texans football. If Andre Johnson is the best all time offensive player for the Texans, then J.J. Watt is certainly the best defensive player in franchise history. Also in contrast to Johnson, Watt embraces the spotlight, appearing on late night shows, dating celebrities, and starring in commercials.

He’s a star who represents the game the right way with his insane work ethic. If you haven’t watched the Houston Texans “Hard Knocks” on HBO you should. The opening of Watt flipping 1,000 pound tires is amazing and terrifying all at once that a human is capable of such strength.

There’s one section in particular that shows Watt’s work ethic as well as his outgoing nature and care for the fans where they time stamp his day. It starts with a full day of practice, then working out alone on the field by himself until around 8 pm, then signing autographs and taking photos with fans for over an hour after that.

His elevated public profile is what puts him slightly ahead of Johnson on this list, but they are comparable. Also being the only player in NFL history to record two 20 sack seasons doesn’t hurt.

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