Joe Theisman: J.J. Watt ranks with Lawrence Taylor, Reggie White
Former Washington Redskins quarterback Joe Theisman, who played against two of the NFL's all-time best passers in Lawrence Taylor and Reggie White, says Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt deserves mention alongside the two Pro Football Hall of Famers.
“J.J. belongs up there with those guys, and the nice thing is he’s just getting started,” Theismann said, per Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle. “I think if you’re going to talk about the greatest defensive ends in professional football history and you don’t include J.J. Watt in that conversation, then I don’t know what you’ve been watching. He’s athletic. He’s instinct. He’s strong. He’s smart.
“He’s like a defensive (Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski). From a personality standpoint, he brings great personality and he loves the game of football. He enjoys every part of the game on and off the field. He’s not going to screw it up on or off the field. He’s the consummate professional.”
Theismann, who threw for more than 25,000 yards in his 12-season career, said Watt is the main reason he tunes into Texans games. The 2014 NFL Defensive Player of the Year recorded 20.5 sacks last season.
“What J.J. has accomplished is even more special in this day and age where they do everything they can to give the advantage to the offense," Theismann said. "To be able to shine as a pass-rushing defensive lineman, you have to be exceptional. J.J. is very special, obviously. There’s no one else like him anywhere.”
(h/t Houston Chronicle)
