J.J. Watt is Texans’ multi-dimensional leader
The Houston Texans have youngsters abound and someone has to herd the kittens. While 25 is a young age for most players to take a leadership role, J.J. Watt is a natural.
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“It’s definitely a little bit different role than in the past but I enjoy it. I thoroughly enjoy it,” Watt said of the leadership position, via CSN Houston. “I thoroughly enjoy being able to help some of the young guys out. It’s cool to have a guy come up and ask how can I learn, how can I get better, what can I do …”
The Texans lost veteran Antonio Smith in free agency to Oakland. The Texans are left with Tim Jamison and Jared Crick. Both have only one Texans’ start to their name. Watt will be expected to pick up the slack on and off the field.
“I’m always trying to lead by example, go out and try to do things the right way, try to show the guys that I’m all in. Obviously with a lot of young guys, I’m a little bit older now, I’m 25, so I’m a little bit older,” Watt said with a chuckle.
Watt doesn’t just lead the defense emotionally. He leads them in statistical categories and, if you could measure it, in effort. It comes back to game experience, as CSN Houston insider Adam Wexler writes, “But even at age 25, his 48 games played are more than all but one of his defensive linemates. His 48 starts are more than the rest of linemates combined – by more than an entire season’s worth of games.”