JJ Watt has established himself as the premier defensive player in the NFL, and he is one of the most popular players in the entire league. His incredible work ethic and his desire to be the best have endeared him to fans of every organization, and he may not have even played his best football yet.

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Watt recently received a hand-written message from a seven-year old fan who wants to become an NFL star someday just like Watt has. The boy explained that he plays defensive end (like Watt) and tight end, and he also wears the same jersey number as Watt.

As icing on the cake, the boy sent Watt a jersey with his autograph "so you will know me when I am a famous NFL player." Even Watt was impressed by the young man's confidence.

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Watt is having another stellar season for the Houston Texans, although the team may have had their playoff hopes dashed by a loss to the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. The Texans still have a chance to make the postseason, but they will need to win their final two games and likely get some help to make it.

Watt is the prohibitive favorite to win NFL Defensive Player of the Year, and he has an outside chance at becoming the first defensive player to win the MVP award since Lawrence Taylor did it for the New York Giants in 1986.