How many times was J.J. Watt named NFL Defensive Player of the Year?

Justin James Watt is widely regarded as one of the best defensive players to ever grace the NFL in recent times. The Wisconsin Badgers alum ended his professional career with the Arizona Cardinals after the conclusion of the 2022 season.

The defensive end put together an impressive career, marked by numerous accolades, including being named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year three times. No player has been crowned with the coveted honor more times than J.J. Watt.

Seasons J.J. Watt won the NFL Defensive Player of the Year

Wild Card Playoffs - Cincinnati Bengals v Houston Texans

Watt’s first NFL Defensive Player of the Year award came in 2012, which was just his second year in the league. He made a huge impact, finishing the season with 20.5 sacks, 39 tackles for loss, four forced fumbles, and 16 passes defended.

The following season, in 2013, Watt won the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award for the second time. He recorded 10.5 sacks, 17 tackles for loss, and seven passes defended. He also intercepted two passes and returned both for touchdowns.

Watt’s third NFL Defensive Player of the Year award came in 2015. He put up monster stats, registering 17.5 sacks, 29 tackles for loss, eight passes defended, and three forced fumbles. He was a key part of the Texans' defense that season, allowing the third-fewest yards in the league.

J.J. Watt's injury-laden 2015 season

Kansas City Chiefs v Houston Texans

Many analysts in the NFL world believe J.J. Watt could have ended up winning more Defensive Player of the Year awards if not for recurring injury cases after the 2015 season. He played every game for the Houston Texans from his rookie season in 2011, down to 2015.

The defensive end was known for his immense consistency in his first five seasons in the league. He led the league in sacks twice and tackle-for-loss on three occasions within the period. However, injuries in subsequent years denied him a more incredible career.

Injuries affected his ability to perform at his highest level and potentially limited his long-term success in the NFL post-2015. Watt suffered a number of injuries throughout his career, including a herniated disc in his back, a broken hand, and a torn pectoral muscle.

Nonetheless, Watt's career in the NFL is a noteworthy one. He will be remembered as one of the greatest defensive players in the league and has primed himself as a Hall of Fame candidate. Despite injuries in the latter part of his career, his healthy seasons have earned him a secure legacy in the NFL.