Best senior quarterback (Scott Tolzien and 2010 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award), best offensive lineman (Gabe Carimi and 2010 Outland Trophy Award) and now the best defensive player in the country as the Badgers’ defensive end J.J. Watt was named the 2010 Lott Impact Trophy Award Winner on Sunday Night.
Watt has had a monster year while accumulating 21 tackles for loss, seven sacks, eight passes broken up, ten quarterback hurries and three blocked kicks.
The other three finalists for the Lott Impact award were Texas defensive lineman Sam Acho, Oregon linebacker Casey Matthews (Green Bay Packers LB Clay Matthews brother) and LSU cornerback Patrick Patterson.
By: Nick Grays
Not many football players are more dedicated and thankful of his talents than Watt. His 5,000+ followers on Twitter could attest to this as he is known for his inspiring and motivating tweets via @JJWatt99. After winning the prestigious Lott award, Watt had plenty to say.
“This is unbelievable,” Watt said. “This is definitely one of the best moments of my life thus far.”
“It is such an honor to be mentioned in the same sentence as Ronnie Lott. I have to give a lot of credit to my mother and father for raising me and teaching me good morals and values.”
“Once again, just an extreme honor and I can’t think you enough for this award. It’s unbelievable and on Wisconsin,” finished Watt.
The Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation provides an IMPACT award to individuals who demonstrate excellence in the field of athletics. The IMPACT award recognizes college football’s Defensive Player of the Year who best exemplifies Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity. The award is named after Hall of Fame Safety Ronnie Lott.
Watt becomes only the second Big Ten player to win the award in it’s seven year history with the other being Ohio State’s James Laurinaitis in 2008.
Watt and the Wisconsin Badgers will return to the field on New Year’s Day when they take on #3 TCU in the 2011 Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA.
Follow Nick Grays on Twitter by clicking here or visit his blog Nick Knows Best.