Thanks to Texans DE J.J. Watt, a Houston NFL player "can rival the Cowboys’ best players as the most popular athlete in the state" for the "first time ever, or at least since" Pro Football HOFer Earl Campbell, according to Charean Williams of the FT. WORTH STAR-TELEGRAM. In addition to partnering with Reebok and Gatorade, Watt "has signed six other endorsement deals, with one, grocery chain H-E-B, even naming an ice cream flavor 'Texans Tackle Crunch' in his honor." Watt "made his acting debut in an Ang Lee-directed film that comes out next year," and has "presented a CMA in Nashville with Carrie Underwood and an ESPY with Britney Spears." Houston Chronicle writer John McClain said, "No Cowboys player compares to J.J. nationally. Few care about the Texans outside the state, but everybody cares about Watt.” Williams writes couples "name their babies after Watt, and fathers hope for their daughters to marry him." A team of people, including Watt’s parents, CAA agent John Caplin and Texans Dir of Corporate Communications Amy Palcic "handle requests for the fifth-year veteran." Palcic estimates Watt’s interview, autograph and appearance requests "top 500 a week." Watt admits if he "tried to do everything for everyone he’d 'be a mess.'" Palcic: "He’s hands down the face of our franchise and the city, and the most recognizable athlete in all of Texas. He’s the best ambassador the NFL could ever hope for. It’s special to have the best player in the NFL be equally as good a person" (FT. WORTH STAR-TELEGRAM, 9/9).
