NFL Houston Texans

J.J. Watt’s Popularity a Great Thing For Houston Texans

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By @Terri7589

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Getty Images

Not only has J.J. Watt solidified himself as the face of the Houston Texans‘ organization, he has solidified himself as one of the faces of the NFL. Having a defensive end be one of the most recognizable people in the league is not only impressive; it is beneficial to his team.

In the 12 year team history, the Texans have only visited the playoffs twice and have won two division championships for the same years. Watt joined the Texans in 2011 and recorded 5.5 tackles during his rookie season. He improved on those numbers greatly in his sophomore season where Watt recorded 20.5 sacks which led to him winning the Defensive Player of the Year award for 2012. Although Watt recorded 10.5 sacks in 2013, the Texans went 2-14 after a 2-0 start of the season. Watt recorded his second 20.5 sack season this year, making him the only player in history to do so.

When football fans think of the Texans they think of Watt. Watt’s popularity has helped the Texans and will continue to do so in the future now that he has signed a six-year extension.

The current Watt mania will bring more coverage and attention to Texans games than ever before. With the effect on the game that Watt has, more people will buy tickets to games and more sold out games means more television coverage. The Texans could expand their market nationally. There are teams with fans all over the country, and Watt is in the best position to make the Texans more than just a locally loved team.

Although it seems unfair for just one player, especially a defensive player, to get all of the attention on a team, in Watt’s case it is warranted. Watt has been in MVP talks and chants since the beginning of the season. The Texans don’t have another must-see leader. The traditional leader for a football team, the quarterback, is almost non-existent in Houston. The Texans had a difficult time securing a quarterback this season due to injuries and poor play. Even if the Texans did have a solid quarterback, people can’t resist Watt. He can make things happen on both ends of the field.

Although the Texans couldn’t make it into the postseason and this is just the fourth season with a winning record, their 2014 season will go down in franchise history as one of their best because of the exposure the team received due to just one player. The Texans need to ride the Watt roller coaster until the wheels fall off, because with the way Watt plays and the season he just recorded, the Texans will definitely get much more attention than a defensive end shaking his groove thing for a mobile phone carrier commercial.

Terri Washington is a Los Angeles Clippers writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow her on Twitter @Terri7589, “Like” her on Facebook or add her to your network on Google.

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