Texans make Watt highest-paid defensive player in league history

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- The Texans' JJ Watt is now the NFL's newest $100 million man. The contract extension announced Tuesday -- a 6-year deal worth $100 million -- makes the fan favorite the highest paid defensive player in the NFL.

The Texans star defensive end says he couldn't sleep all night he was so keyed up about this deal. He apparently has been at the stadium since about 3:30am. He came to work out and take his mind off things.

Moments after signing that contract, Watt spoke of what it means to him. In typical Watt understated fashion, he said he hopes the people of Houston don't mind having him stick around for a while.

Watt spoke extensively about what this contract means to him, as a guy from small town Wisconsin who once was told he couldn't make it in college ball, let alone in the NFL.

He choked up in mentioning how far he's come. He says this is proof of his motto, 'dream big, work hard.'

"Money doesn't motivate me. Greatness does," he said. "That's the truth. So this is awesome. I'm so fortunate. I'm so thankful. But I don't do this for the money. I'm extremely grateful that I'm going to be able to set up, my family and my kids and so fortunate that I don't have to worry about the money, so I can focus on the greatness."

The six-year deal could pay him $100 million. It's a guaranteed $51.8 million and keeps him with the Texans through the 2021 season.

He's clearly glad to have the business side of football behind him now. He says he plans to live his life the same way he has to this point. He insists he won't stop working hard.

Texans GM Rick Smith says Watt will be wreaking havoc on other teams' quarterbacks for a long time.

Watt has plans to do something special for his parents with the money. He won't say yet what it is, because they don't know yet.