MADISON, Wis. -- The most dominant NFL defensive player in the last quarter-century will forever hold a special place in the collective hearts of Wisconsin football fans. J.J. Watt's widely celebrated story involves the power of perseverance and hard work, which allowed him to rise from Pizza Hut delivery boy to Badgers walk-on defensive end to Houston Texans first-round NFL draft pick to two-time league defensive player of the year.
He has achieved money and fame while maintaining a humility that has endeared him to thousands of supporters. If there were a Disney movie to be made about him, it would probably seem too cheesy to produce.