Texans DE Will Anderson says J.J. Watt ‘has been a good mentor’

While Will Anderson may come from a storied college football program in Alabama that has its own vast alumni network, the defensive end chooses to acknowledge the Houston Texans’ history.

The most dominant defensive end since 2011 was J.J. Watt, garnering three NFL Defensive Player of the Year honors in his 128 career games with the Texans through the 2020 campaign. It didn’t take long for Anderson to make the connection that the former face of the franchise needed to be among his counsel.

“J.J. has been a good mentor for me so far,” Anderson told reporters following Houston’s 30-6 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers Oct. 1. “I’m going to start sending him some more clips so I can get some more help. ”

Anderson finished with two combined tackles as the Texans limited the Steelers to 225 yards total offense and 12 first downs.

Nevertheless as the pursuit for greatness continues, so should constant communication with a possible first ballot Hall-of-Famer.

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

When Watt addressed the Texans ahead of their Week 4 matchup with the Steelers, Anderson identified with one particular aspect of the message.

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

Anderson has collected 15 combined tackles, 1.0 sack, a tackle for loss, five quarterback hits, and a blocked field goal in his four games with Houston.