ESPN came out with its annual World Fame 100 rankings on Tuesday, which ranks the most famous athletes on the planet by combining endorsements, social media following and internet search popularity.
Defensive end J.J. Watt, ranked 74th, was one of eight NFL players to make the list, joining quarterbacks Tom Brady (21), Cam Newton (47), Drew Brees (52), Russell Wilson (55), Aaron Rodgers (56), Eli Manning (60) and wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (64).
"Watt is one of the most feared players in the NFL," the article says. "A sack-happy defensive end whose size, strength and quickness create matchup problems for even the most adept offenses."
The three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, who finished 56th a year ago, was the only defender to make the list in 2017. Totaling over 7.6 million followers between Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, Watt is one of the most popular NFL players on social media.
J.J. Watt--from his time as a Texan back to his Wisconsin Badger days--is featured here in photos.