J.J. Watt named a Pro Bowl captain

Nov 24, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) stands on the field between plays during the second quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Houston Texans star DE J.J. Watt has been the fourth player named as a Pro Bowl captain, according to Patrick D.  Starr of State of the Texans.  Watt joins Jamaal Charles, Drew Brees and Robert Quinn as the player captains who will assist GMs Jerry Rice and Deion Sanders in the first annual Pro Bowl draft on January 21st and 22nd.

Watt, who is arguably the league’s best defensive player, is a deserving captain after being named Defensive Player of the Year last season. His Texans may have been the worst team in the league this year, but it wasn’t because of Watt. He tallied 80 total tackles, 10.5 sacks, four forces fumbles and seven passes defended.

Adding player captains to this year’s Pro Bowl further shakes up a game that was in desperate need of some change. The three other captain selections are very deserving as well. Brees is a perennial Pro Bowler and the best inspirational leader in the NFL. Charles was this season’s fantasy MVP and an Offensive Player of the Year candidate. Quinn was a breakout star in 2013 on an underrated defense. He’s also a candidate for DPOY.

It looks to be another eventful Pro Bowl for Watt, who lined up at tight end for the AFC last season, getting two targets and cutting his finger in the process.