Defense is key, at least for Houston Texans star defensive end J.J. Watt who was again hailed as the The Associated Press National Football League (NFL) Defensive Player of the Year for the third time in his career. 

According to ESPN, Watt received 37 votes out of 50 panel members consisting of sportswriters and broadcasters covering the league. 

The report added that Rams tackle Aaron Donald followed Watt getting seven votes, with Carolina Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly coming in next with four and cornerback Josh Norman having two. 

The recent success tied Watt with Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor who also won the award three times. 

In 16 games played for the Texans this season, Watt recorded 76 tackles and a league-leading 17.5 sacks. 

"It's pretty incredible," Watt said about winning the award for the third time, according to Chron.com. 

"When I started my career five years ago, I don't think anyone, including me, could have predicted the crazy amount of success I've been fortunate to have," the 26-year-old defensive end added. 

Watt also expressed gratitude stating, "It's such a credit to my teammates, coaches and everybody who's helped me throughout my career."

The Texans and Watt had a great season, finishing with a 9–7 regular season record to be on top of the American Football Conference (AFC) South. 

Because of their record, the Texans made it to the playoffs again after missing it in the 2013 and 2014 seasons. 

Unfortunately, Houston failed to advance further as it fell to the Kansas City Chiefs in the Wild Card Playoffs. 

But still, it was a great year for the Texans and for Watt, who again shone because of his defensive prowess on the field.

Watt is under contract with the Texans until the 2021 season and has a lot of chances to help the team to the Super Bowl, an achievement that has yet to be reached by the young franchise.