NFL: 27 most likely non-QB future Hall of Famers
Houston Texans. J.J. Watt. 99. player. 10. . Defensive end
J.J. Watt is a lock first-ballot Hall of Famer, despite injuries taking their toll over the past three-plus seasons.
Watt is in exclusive company, alongside New York Giants Hall of Fame linebacker Lawrence Taylor as the only players to collect three Defensive Player of The Year Awards, and the fact that he has already surpassed 100 career sacks will only strengthen his candidacy.
One of the most disruptive defensive ends to ever play the game, Watt currently ranks 31st all-time in sacks and has the chance to climb those ranks in coming seasons.
When the Hall of Fame selectors gather five years after Watt’s retirement, his Man of The Year Awards will also strengthen his candidacy as there are few players in this era who are as vital ambassadors for the sport or the city they play for as Watt has been for the NFL and Houston.
There likely won’t be much debate about his Hall of Fame worthiness when the Texans’ greatest defensive player in franchise history ultimately calls it a career.