Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt became the fifth-fastest player in NFL history to reach 100 sacks since the statistic became official in 1982, according to the Elias Sports Bureau, when he sacked Jacksonville Jaguars rookie quarterback Jake Luton Sunday in the fourth quarter of Houston's 27-25 win.
Watt is the 35th player in NFL history to hit the milestone, and the only players to do it faster are Reggie White (96 games), Lawrence Taylor (106), DeMarcus Ware (113) and Bruce Smith (115). Watt, who has 100 sacks in 120 games, said the milestone isn't as big of a deal because it didn't happen earlier in his career.
"Yeah, I've said it before, I appreciate the sentiment and everything. I probably should've done this three or four years ago so it's not necessarily -- it's a big deal, but to me it's past due," he said after the game. "Like I told the guys in there, anytime a personal achievement in this game is accomplished it's because of many, many people, it's never just one person. This is the ultimate team game. It's all my teammates."
Watt started his career with 74.5 sacks in five seasons, but after not missing a single game during that time, he spent time on injured reserve in three of the next four seasons. Because of injuries, he went more than two years -- and eight games -- without a sack. Watt is the only player in NFL history to record 20 or more sacks in a season more than once.
Watt's 100th career sack was his fourth this season. He also has a forced fumble, fumble recovery and three tackles for a loss.
"J.J. is a tremendous athlete and a tremendous pro. In my time here with J.J., he has done a little bit of everything. He intercepts balls. He causes fumbles. He tackles in the backfield. He invades the run and rushes the passer. He does it all," Texans interim coach Romeo Crennel said. "I feel really good about him getting his 100th sack.
"As he said, he appreciates getting his 100th sack with a team victory."