No. 9: DE JJ Watt
Like Tom Brady, JJ Watt recently hung up his cleats for good, and don’t worry; he is the last of the recently retired players on this list. When you look at his career and the stats that Watt registered, along with bringing the Houston Texans their first-ever playoff victory, you can’t begin to explain Watt’s impact on the game.
In a four-year span, 2012-2015, Watt was as dominant as you could possibly be. 69 sacks, 190 QB hits, 15 forced fumbles, 10 fumble recoveries, and three, yes three, Defensive Player of the Year awards. That’s unbelievable over four years. 20. 5 sacks in 2012 and 2014, and 17.5 in 2015. Start carving out his bust already, will you please?
No. 8: TE Travis Kelce
All right now. Before we get called a “Jabroni,” we need to first send love to Jason Kelce, who will go into the Hall of Fame, as well as his younger brother. Now, back to business. Patrick Mahomes’ best weapon undoubtedly deserves to enter the Pro Football Hall of Fame. With two Super Bowl rings and even in a loss to Tampa Bay, Travis Kelce is a wrecking machine on the biggest stage in football.
Not only does this SNL guest host rock a mic, but how he’s developed his game and further expanded the role of the receiving tight end brings excellence that hasn’t been seen since Gronk ran the show with TB12 in New England. Start fitting a gold jacket for Kelce, and his brother, right now. It will be a big party in Canton when No. 87 comes to town.