Texans receiver DeAndre Hopkins: J.J. Watt is MVP
Several teammates of Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt say the two-time first team All-Pro should be named the NFL's Most Valuable Player this season.
Watt is the first player in at least six decades to score three offensive touchdowns and two defensive touchdowns in a single season, after he caught a one-yard touchdown pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick in Houston’s 45-21 victory over the Tennessee Titans on Sunday.
Watt has 54 total tackles, 11.5 sacks, one interception, eight passes defensed and three forced fumbles this season for the Texans (6-6). ESPN reports that according to the Elias Sports Bureau, Watt is the first player in NFL history to tally three offensive touchdowns, return an interception for a touchdown and return a fumble recovery for a touchdown in the same season.
“"He's the MVP man, hands down," Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins said to ESPN.com. “When was the last time you've seen a defensive end have as many touchdowns or make the kinds of catches he's made?"
One of Watt’s teammates on the defensive side of the ball continued the praise of Watt.
“I’ve never seen a defensive lineman change the game the way he does," defensive tackle Ryan Pickett said. "Never. Not a lineman on any side of the football."
Watt heard the chants of “M-V-P” during the game and says that catching touchdown passes is just part of the fun.
"It is a blast. I mean, just to hear the stadium, to see my teammates,” Watt said. “Like I said after my first one, there's no greater feeling than scoring a touchdown and seeing your teammates come running over to congratulate you.”
Houston will try to keep its playoff hopes alive when it plays the Jacksonville Jaguars (2-10) on Sunday.
- Scooby Axson
