Houston Texans Rookie Will Anderson Reveals J.J. Watt As Mentor

Houston Texans rookie Will Anderson Jr. speaks on being mentored by J.J. Watt

Part of understanding the present is acknowledging the past, and that is just what Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. is doing.

The rookie has sought the counsel of one of the best ever to do it, J.J. Watt.

Watt, who has been among the most dominant defensive ends since getting drafted in 2011, earning three Defensive Player of the Year honors in his 128 games as a Texan. ... has taken on the role of teacher to the new era of great Texans pass-rushing.

“J.J. has been a good mentor for me so far,” Anderson said following Houston's 30-6 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. “I’m going to start sending him some more clips so I can get some more help.”

The former Alabama great finished Sunday’s game with two tackles and the Texans held the Steelers to 225 yards total offense and only 12 first downs.

JJ Watt & Will Anderson Jr

“He’s been good. Honestly, it’s a privilege and a blessing to have someone like J.J. to communicate with and help out," Anderson said. "What he has done in the league, what he has done for the Houston Texans, is unbelievable.”

While speaking to the Texans before their Week 4 matchup with the Steelers, Anderson said one part of Watt’s message really spoke to him - staying humble and being grateful for the opportunity. 

“Don’t take anything for granted. You’re here in the NFL,” Anderson said. “Not a lot of people can say that, and I think that resonated with a lot of guys,”

Anderson Jr. has 15 tackles, one sack, a tackle for loss, five quarterback hits, and a blocked field goal in his four games with the Texans