Leave it to J.J. Watt to completely steal the show at the Pro Bowl — by playing all bloody out.
The Houston Texans' second-year star — and likely NFL Defensive Player of the Year — did not just move from his usual defensive end spot to tight end on one memorable offensive play. He also ended up blood splattered thanks to what NBC analyst Cris Collinsworth dubbed "a busted-up finger." It looked more just a little mangled and torn up when Watt rather proudly showed off the left hand digit to the American viewing audience.
Busted or mangled, Watt did not seem too concerned about the finger. Instead, he appeared rather pumped about it.
But who are we to say? Like Doc Rivers, we're not real doctors either.
Busted or mangled, Watt did not seem too concerned about the finger. Instead, he appeared rather pumped about it.
"Hey Commish, we're playing hard," Watt cracked, the blood splotches on his white AFC Pro Bowl jersey testament to how No. 99 always plays hard no matter what. Even when he's in paradise, playing in a game that means nothing.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has threatened to kill the NFL's all-star game for good if the players don't take it more seriously.
The Texans certainly are — all nine Houston players selected showed for the game. In contrast, those haughty, better-than-thou New England Patriots had five of their seven Pro Bowl picks skip the game.
Watt wasn't about to miss his first Pro Bowl. Or let a bloody hand slow his roll. Long after the injury, he was still rushing the passer hard, deep into the second quarter.
Of course, everyone will be talking about his role in the third offensive play of the game. That's when Watt came in at tight end — a position he played at Central Michigan before moving to defense at Wisconsin — and Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning threw him the ball as the 6-foot-5, 295-pound man cut into the end zone.
This wasn't a Andy Dalton pass tipped to himself in the supersized spotlight of the playoffs though. Watt could not hold on and haul in the could-have-been touchdown.
"I slanted," Watt said, noting how many pass route running options Manning gave him. "(Bears cornerback Charles Tillman) made a great play on the ball."
Of course, Watt asked for another chance on offense. He got it too, lining up wide late in the fourth quarter with the AFC inside the 10-yard line. Indianapolis Colts rookie quarterback Andrew Luck threw the ball up for Watt this time . . . and watched Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul come down with the interception. Watt looked like he would have loved a third chance.
What? You thought he'd want to sit on the bloody sideline?
That's not how J.J. Watt plays.
J.J. Watt always brings it.
