Antonio Smith has backed teammate JJ Watt to be named the NFL's Most Valuable Player.

The Houston Texans defensive end is the joint-leader in sacks this season, just three short of the all-time record.

Smith told the Texans' website: "Frankly, I'm just tired of everybody thinking that only offensive players can be MVP.

"Get out of the old, step into the new. Vote JJ Watt."

Watt has previously said that he would like to win the award, which has only been won by a defensive player twice since 1957.

The title has gone to quarterbacks for the last five seasons.