When it comes to the modern era of the NFL, there might not be many more dominant pass rushers than J.J. Watt. However, the prolific defensive end still studies the greater, and when it comes to pass rushers, there are perhaps none greater than Reggie White. While Watt studies tape of White, he’s still unable to lock down his signature move.
Speaking to the media via Pro Football Talk, Watt revealed that he loves to watch the legends of the game, including White, for anything he might be able to pick up.
However, White’s signature move, a hump that would allow White to essentially throw offensive linemen away, is something Watt can’t get down.
“If I could throw a 325-pound man 10 yards with one hand, I would do it every play, but that’s what made Reggie so special,” Watt said to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle. “He had that move, and it’s an incredible move. There’s so much skill to that, that I think people don’t even realize. You have to have the ability to set it up properly, the ability to plant your foot at the right time and coordinate it with the torque that you need with your core.
“There’s so much that goes into that, and it’s an incredible move. I’ve tried to do it many times and I’ve never thrown a guy the way that he throws guys, and I don’t know if too many people ever have. That’s why he’s one of the greatest of all time, and it’s an unbelievable move.”
Even though Watt is unable to get the move down, he’s still plenty great for the Texans. Last week he notched his first two sacks of the season, and has been a three-time defensive player of the year, so his catalog of pass-rushing moves is perfectly solid on its own during his Texans career.
Perhaps one day, aspiring pass rushers will be watching tape of Watt to learn some of his moves, but until then, Watt will continue to try and improve.
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