Altuve, Watson or Harden. Who’s the face of Houston? (Mart: public school, college)

[As Above So Below...]

Originally Posted by ParaguaneroSwag

I’m not arguing that JJ Watt WAS the face of the Texans. Obviously he was. But not anymore. For many reasons. He’s only had 1 healthy season the last 3 years. In his absence, Watson has blossomed and like mentioned above, added a bigger level of excitement to the Texans than JJ ever did. And face it, Watson is a better player too. Any MVP caliber quarterback. Is better than any other player in his team. Going back to the injuries, you can even say Hopkins has been a bigger face for the team than JJ given his success. As for the hurricane Harvey relief, if we give JJ this kind of praise, give it to Harden too, who donated more than twice what JJ donated while still being one of the best in the game during his time. JJ is seen as a beloved Houstonian for his community work, but Watson has taken over the face of the Texans.

But you didnt ask who the face of the Texans is. You asked who the face of Houston is. Those are very different things.
If were limiting it to sports figures, thats JJ.

[hendersj31]

Exactly. Although Watson is a great quaterback that is not what was originally asked and despite his skill I do not see him as the face of Houston. Not yet anyway.

Originally Posted by As Above So Below...

But you didnt ask who the face of the Texans is. You asked who the face of Houston is. Those are very different things.
If were limiting it to sports figures, thats JJ.

[ParaguaneroSwag]

Originally Posted by As Above So Below...

JJ Watt. Hands down more so than the ones on the list.

Youve got to think beyond the sport itself. JJ is far more involved in the community than any of the three you listed which are almost absent by comparison. JJ gives to local charities and does volunteer work. Think of it this way, who would someone not obsessed with Houston sports but still living in Houston recognize easiest?

I dont even see any of the above as a close second.

That’s the point. You have to go beyond the sport itself to give it to Watt. Because in the sport itself, he’s not even second to Watson and Hopkins for the Texans.

[ParaguaneroSwag]

Originally Posted by SanJac

JJ Watt is still the face of Houston. In terms of popularity I think Alex Bregman is probably more recognizable than Altuve, and Bregman has more of a presence on social media.

My personal opinion is that Altuve is the most loved of the three you mentioned.

Watson will get there IF he wins in the playoffs... Altuve is the only one of the 3 that wears a championship ring.

Altuve is well solidified over Bregman. If it’s about terms of worldwide popularity, it’s James Harden hands down. But in Houston, Altuve is a favorite over Harden.

[As Above So Below...]

Originally Posted by ParaguaneroSwag

That’s the point. You have to go beyond the sport itself to give it to Watt. Because in the sport itself, he’s not even second to Watson and Hopkins for the Texans.

Sports are a small fraction of the city. You asked about the face of the city. That’s Watt.

[marksmu]

It is JJ Watt as the face of Houston whether you like it or include him in your poll or not. Out of the three listed it is hands down Altuve though.

Basketball popularity is waning alot, so while Harden may be a good athlete - even a great basketball player - not many people care, because not that many people even watch NBA basketball anymore.

[SanJac]

Originally Posted by ParaguaneroSwag

Altuve is well solidified over Bregman. If it’s about terms of worldwide popularity, it’s James Harden hands down. But in Houston, Altuve is a favorite over Harden.

Geez, you ask a question and almost get a unanimous "JJ Watt" response and then you don't like the answer...

It's ok... JJ has earned it, and yes he has been a more exciting player than Watson in his career... but it's not to say that Watson can't take the title some day, or Altuve, or Harden... they just don't have it today.

[jfre81]

Originally Posted by ParaguaneroSwag

Altuve is well solidified over Bregman. If it’s about terms of worldwide popularity, it’s James Harden hands down. But in Houston, Altuve is a favorite over Harden.

Outside of Houston, right now, it's the guy banging the trash can behind the Astros dugout.

[ParaguaneroSwag]

No I agree about JJ Watt face of Houston. Just not the sports face. He’s the community spokesperson and social media favorite. But not the sports figure. He used to be. Him being an athlete makes the terms get confused, but to put it into context, if Hakeem Olajuwon has Houston’s heart the way JJ does, it would be a similar situation, given that JJ’s dominance was years ago. Today, his dominance isn’t here. Which is why as an ATHLETE, in my opinion the face lies between Altuve and Watson.

[ParaguaneroSwag]

Originally Posted by SanJac

Geez, you ask a question and almost get a unanimous "JJ Watt" response and then you don't like the answer...

It's ok... JJ has earned it, and yes he has been a more exciting player than Watson in his career... but it's not to say that Watson can't take the title some day, or Altuve, or Harden... they just don't have it today.

No one is disagreeing JJ isn’t a face of Houston. JJ could retire and will still be the community leader for years to come. But which face he is is the difference. JJ Watt is the community leader, but not the sports leader. He was great but his greatness is in the past.

And I disagree about the excitement. JJ Watt in his prime didn’t bring the excitement Watson is bringing. Every single play you can expect Watson to do something great. JJ had the highlight reels but didn’t control the game how Watson does and it’s not even close.