Pewaukee’s own former star Badgers defensive end will be giving the call for drivers to start their engines at the Daytona 500.
Houston Texans defensive lineman J.J. Watt will give that command before racers head to the starting line at about 1:30 p.m. Sunday for the signature event in NASCAR.
He’s the first NFL player to ever receive the honor.
The 2017 Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year has not only spent his career pillaging pass pockets, but in philanthropic endeavors of huge proportions.
Watt’s online fundraiser for Houston hurricane relief victims raised more than $41 million. He was honored with both the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award and the Laureus World Sports “Sporting Inspiration” award, the first NFL player to ever be honored at the worldwide event.