PITTSBURGH -- Talk about an answer that would make for a great sports Jeopardy question.

What former Central Michigan receivers combined for 1,000 yards in 2007?

Answer: Antonio Brown and J.J. Watt.

The latter admitted with a laugh last week that the former did the heavy lifting in helping the two NFL stars eclipse the 1,000-yard receiving mark for the Chippewas.

“He took all the balls,” Watt said. “He deserved them so, yeah, he took them all.”

Indeed, Brown caught 98 passes for 980 yards and six touchdowns while Watt chipped in with eight receptions for 77 yards. The two were true freshmen in 2007 and Watt, who went to Central Michigan as a tight end, said it didn’t take him long to see that Brown was a special player.

“I just remember he was one of the best I’ve ever seen in my life,” Watt said.

Brown’s presence at Central Michigan may have helped set Watt on the course that has led to the Houston Texans end becoming he best defensive player in the NFL.

Watt left Central Michigan after his freshman season because he wanted more of a role in the passing game. He transferred to Wisconsin where the Badgers turned him into a defensive end.

“I started out on the scout team at defensive line,” Watt said. “I think partially because they needed a body there and partially just to see what happens and obviously it all ended up working out in the end so I’m fortunate.”

NFL offensive linemen who have to block Watt probably don’t feel the same way.

The Texans end has four sacks and two defensive touchdowns in six games. Watt has also caught a touchdown pass.

As for Brown, things ended up working out for him, too.

He starred at Central Michigan for three seasons before coming out for the NFL draft. Since Pittsburgh took Brown with the second of two sixth-round draft picks in 2010, he has made two Pro Bowls and twice been voted Steelers MVP by his teammates.

The two former Chippewas will be reunited tonight at Heinz Field – and Brown is likely to remind Watt of when he used to exhort his teammates to join him in running 100-yard sprints.

“I do recall that,” Watt said with a laugh. “Just trying to do whatever we could do get a jumpstart and to show the coaches, show the team that we were ready to roll.”