Texans' J.J. Watt named grand marshal of Daytona 500

PHOTOS: All the Daytona 500 winners, year-by-year Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt tosses the ball before the start of an NFL first round playoff game at NRG Stadium, Saturday, Jan. 5, 2019, in Houston. PHOTOS: All the Daytona 500 winners, year-by-year Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt tosses the ball before the start of an NFL first round playoff game at NRG Stadium, Saturday, Jan. 5, 2019, in Houston. Photo: Karen Warren/Staff Photographer Photo: Karen Warren/Staff Photographer Image 1 of / 92 Caption Close Texans' J.J. Watt named grand marshal of Daytona 500 1 / 92 Back to Gallery

Texans star defensive end J.J. Watt will be the first NFL player to be the grand marshal of the Daytona 500 on Sunday.

The 61st running is set for Daytona International Speedway where the three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year will give the signal for drivers to start their engines.

"I am honored to have the opportunity to serve as grand marshal for this year's 'Great American Race,' " Watt said in a statement. "The Daytona 500 is a truly iconic event with a rich history and I am very much looking forward to taking in the action up close and personal this year."

Speedway president Chip Wile said of Watt: "We're ecstatic to have a person who has shown to be not only an incredible athlete, but also somebody who has done so much for communities in need, J.J. is one of the best players currently in the NFL and now he's going to be our grand marshal for 'The Great American Race.' It's a spectacular pairing."