Wisconsin football: J.J. Watt named to the NFL Top 100 again

As the NFL continues to announce their Top 100 players for the upcoming season, a second Wisconsin Badgers alumnus has made the list. All-pro defensive end J.J. Watt clocked in at No. 45 on the annual list of the best players in the league.

Watt suffered through another injury plagued season (three of his past four) in 2019, tearing his pectoral muscle and missing half the season after surgery, but was able to return to the Texans lineup for the playoffs. NFL Network notes that: “It was somewhat of another lost season for the three-time DPOY, as he missed eight games with a torn pectoral. When healthy, Watt wasn’t as dynamic as he’s been. Just two years ago, he returned from injury and produced an All-Pro season. Can he do it again?”

Last year, Watt had 24 tackles, four sacks, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries and three passes defended.

When Watt has been healthy he has been basically unblockable, winning the DPOY award three times (2012, 2014, 2015) and being named to the Pro Bowl and the All-Pro First Team in 2018 and 2012-2015. He led the league in sacks twice, and has 96 for his career, while also forcing 23 career fumbles and recovering 15 of them.

At Wisconsin during his junior year, Watt recorded 62 tackles (21 for loss), seven sacks and one interception and won the Ronnie Lott IMPACT Award while being named first team All-B1G and second team All-America.