Wisconsin's J.J. Watt playing for the enemy as Packers take on Texans

PEWAUKEE -- J.J. Watt is a beloved sports figure in Wisconsin, but on Sunday, October 14th -- he was playing for the enemy as the Green Bay Packers took on the Houston Texans on the road. FOX6's Jen Lada spoke with J.J. Watt's parents, John and Connie Watt before they headed down to Texas to take in the game.

Justin James "J.J." Watt is a defensive end for the Houston Texans. He was drafted 11th overall by the Houston Texans in the 2011 NFL Draft. He played college football at Wisconsin.

The Watt family is currently represented on three different levels when it comes to football: high school, college and the pros.

"As soon as the schedules came out we got a spreadsheet going. It's just been crazy. It's just been a whirlwind but we're enjoying every minute of it," Connie Watt said.

Just 23 games into his NFL career, J.J. Watt is already getting "Defensive Player of the Year" attention with the Texans.

"A year-and-a-half in, he must be doing something right, because it exceeded our expectations -- but nothing surprises us," John Watt said.

Headed into Sunday's game against the Packers, J.J. Watt is also garnering early MVP buzz.

The Watt family says they have been Packers fans their entire lives, but this week, they're rooting for the Texans.

"It's amazing how many people have come up and said 'I'm a Packers fan and have been all my life, but maybe this week we'll give a little love to the Texans too.' It's great to hear because that means it really has become bigger than the Watt family. Here in Pewaukee, it's community-wide," John Watt said.

Though J.J. Watt is now a Texan, his father says the Packers still hold a special place in his heart.

"It's about playing the game of football. J.J. would tell you he's a Texan through and through, because he is, but somewhere inside him he remembers being a little kid Packers fan watching on Sunday morning," John Watt said.

J.J. owns a modest home, and his parents believe his is making good financial decisions amidst the crazy NFL lifestyle.

"He spends money on exactly the right things. Just because you have that money doesn't mean you have to spend that money," Connie Watt said.

"He's very much a saver, and he's doing a fantastic job. We'd be the first to step in and say 'J.J. -- did you really need to buy that?' And he would say 'you're right, I'll hold off.' From the house to the vehicles -- he's made some really good decisions down there," John Watt said.

John and Connie Watt say they believe their son serves as a role model for Wisconsin and the country.

"I get emails all the time from people saying how wonderful it was for him to take the extra time. That means more to me than the football accolades and things like that. He's a good person inside and out, and I think it's just wonderful to be a role mode. All three of my boys are stepping into that role very nicely, and they do take the time and they do appreciate where they came from. They understand it's the fans who make them who they are," Connie Watt said.