JJ Watt named AFC Defensive Player of the Month

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- JJ Watt has been named the AFC Defensive Player of the Month for December, the second time this season he's won the award.

In December, Watt had 22 tackles, 9 sacks, 13 tackles for loss, one forced fumble, two passes defensed, one safety and 14 quarterback hits.

Watt also led all defensive linemen in tackles and led the NFL in quarterback hits in the month.

For the season, Watt led the league with 50 quarterback hits, 22 more than the next closest player and had 29 tackles for loss, which was six more than the second-ranked player in that category.

Watt also ranks second in sacks (20.5), tied for second in defensive touchdowns (two) and tied for third in forced fumbles (four).

Watt's three receiving touchdowns makes him the first defensive lineman since 1944 to have at least five touchdowns in a season. He's also the first player since Chicago Bears DB J.C. Caroline in 1956 to score multiple touchdowns on offense and defense in the same season.

In addition, Watt became the first player in NFL history to have two seasons - 2012 and 2014 -- with 20 or more sacks.

Watt also was AFC Defensive Player of the Month in September of this season. He's won the award four times in his career.