Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt was honored Wednesday as Defensive Player of the Year by the Pro Football Writers of America. It's the second straight season the Texans star has won the award.

Watt, who also won in 2012, joins Hall of Famers Bruce Smith and Reggie White as the only players to be recognized three times.

The 26-year-old Watt led the NFL with 17.5 sacks, despite playing through a broken hand, as well as a groin injury, late in the season.

The award is the latest in a series for Watt. In addition to being voted to the Pro Bowl, the five-year veteran was named first-team All-Pro by the Associated Press and All-NFL by the PFWA.