The turnaround for the Houston Texans began when they drafted C.J. Stroud to the roster, immediately making the playoffs in back to back seasons. But where their quarterback was the primary reason for their success in his rookie season, their performance in 2024 was a direct result of a defense that has quickly transformed into one of the best in the entire league. This year, too, they’ve been in the thick of things on most nights, with the defense stifling virtually every team in its path.
Up and down the roster, it is impossible to find a weakness in the defense, resulting in the unit ranking in the top-10 in consecutive seasons. One of the biggest pieces of that unit has been a player that arrived in Houston just one pick after Stroud himself, Will Anderson Jr. As the team tried to get back to .500 on the season against the Seattle Seahawks, the former third overall pick made an unbelievable play, leading to an immediate response from the legendary J.J. Watt.
Will Anderson Jr. Leaves J.J.Watt Impressed
Following improved performances over the seasons, Anderson’s strong play continued this game, as he’s upto 17 tackles and three sacks through five games. Against the Seahawks, though, he was having himself as a night, as he totalled five tackles and a sack.
His biggest highlight came midway through the third quarter. In the Seattle end zone, Sam Darnold tried to make a play. However, Anderson Jr. was able to strip sack the former first-round pick and immediately recover the football to give the Texans their first touchdown of the night.
The play was so spectacular that it prompted Watt to immediately drop a reaction on X. His post simply read, “I see ya Will!!!”
But from one of the greatest defenders that the NFL has ever seen, that might have been one of the biggest compliments that Anderson could have gotten.
VINTAGE WILL ANDERSON JR. 🤫
📺: @espnnfl pic.twitter.com/Fwp2vFKd1P
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) October 21, 2025
An MVP runner and three-time Defensive Player of the Year, Watt was one of the most game-wrecking talents that the league ever saw. His status as arguably the greatest player in Texans franchise history is firmly secure, as he remains the NFL record holder as the only player with multiple seasons registering 20 or more sacks.
For a player whose legacy Anderson should likely be trying to emulate, the shoutout from the five-time Pro Bowler might have been the perfect recognition Anderson could get for his effort for the Texans, who are currently ranked third on PFSN’s Defense Impact.
A sensational career at Alabama saw Anderson win the Bronko Nagurski Trophy twice and solidify himself as one of the best defensive prospect in ages. Winning a national championship with the Crimson Tide, he was the recipient of a Chuck Bednarik as well as Lombardi Award.
Making his way to the NFL, he immediately showcased his impact, winning Defensive Rookie of the Year honors in 2023, while earning a Pro Bowl selection as well, thanks to 45 combined tackles and seven sacks on the year. His numbers significantly improved in his sophomore campaign, as he added 37 combined tackles, 11 sacks, and 23 tackles for loss.
