J.J. Watt named Defensive Player of the Year in 1st unanimous vote

Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt captured the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year award for the second time in three seasons. 

The Texans' superstar was the first unanimous selection as Defensive Player of the Year in NFL history.

Watt had a superlative 2014 campaign, recording 20.5 sacks and four forced fumbles. The Texans' star was an all-around force, scoring five touchdowns. 

It's rare for a 3-4 defensive end to post statistics like Watt's, and he fended off a number of good candidates. 

Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Justin Houston recorded a league-high 22 sacks, while Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman continued to shut down receivers at will.

However, none of those players were remotely close to Watt, and he should be a perennial candidate for the award over the next decade.