Former star edge defender and current CBS Sports personality J.J. Watt hung up his cleats at the end of the 2022 campaign. While we had not heard any reports to suggest that Watt was second-guessing his decision, it sounds as if he would return to play for his original team under the right circumstances.
Watt, 35, was a first-round pick of the Texans in 2011 and, despite a few injury-marred seasons, built a Hall-of-Fame resume over his 10-year Houston run before (ostensibly) finishing his playing career via a two-year stint with the Cardinals. His first season with the Texans was also DeMeco Ryans‘ last as a linebacker with Houston (Ryans, of course, is now entering his second season as the team’s head coach).
Prior to the start of the 2023 campaign, Watt told Ryans that he would suit up for the Texans if Ryans needed him to do so (video link via Brandon Scott of Sports Radio 610). Apparently, that offer is also on the table for 2024, though this will be the last year that Watt makes himself available to his old club.
“I told DeMeco last year, I said, ‘Don’t call unless you absolutely need it, but if you ever do call, I’ll be there,'” Watt said at this charity softball game yesterday (h/t Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk). “And he knows not to call unless he absolutely needs it. This is the last year I’ll tell him that, because I’m not going to keep training the way I’ve been training, but he knows that if he ever truly does need it, I’ll be there for him. I don’t anticipate that happening — they’ve got a very good group.”
Indeed, Ryans and C.J. Stroud were the toast of the league in 2023, when the rookie HC and rookie QB led the Texans on a surprising run to the divisional round of the AFC playoff bracket. This offseason, Houston made a number of high-profile additions to its defensive front, including four-time Pro Bowler Danielle Hunter. Hunter and 2023 first-rounder Will Anderson should form a dynamic duo at defensive end, with players like Derek Barnett and 2023 fourth-round choice Dylan Horton in support.
As Watt said, then, it is unlikely that Ryans will need to call upon his former teammate, but Watt is still a notable ace in the hole. Watt’s comments suggest that he has kept himself in football shape, and in his last year with Arizona in 2022, he started 16 games and notched 12.5 sacks. Should Ryans require an in-season addition to his cadre of pass rushers, he could certainly do a lot worse.
Reminder: The Cardinals were down 28 points to the Niners in Watt’s last game.
Are you saying that is all his fault? He had 2 sacks in that game.
What does this have to do with anything thats even remotely relevant??
I’m not even sure what you’re attempting to insinuate, or who you are even trying to insult…lol
He was just reminding us…ya know, in case we forgot about something inconsequential
The fact that Watt managed to reach double digit sacks in his mast year in Arizona, despite the myriad of injuries that he faced in prior years, will always be impressive to me. He’s proven that he can let his mindset override his circumstances before, so for that reason, I wouldn’t ever doubt him, even if he’s been out of football for two years and is 35. There are very few players for whom that’s the case.
Dude is a Stud. In laymen’s terms he is saying, “If the Texans look good in week 8, I’ll come make a run at a Super Bowl”
Or when they make playoffs again.
Jj should come coach the dline. Coaches get sb rings too. Make him a player coach this year.
I believe it is against the CBA to be a player-coach given potential salary cap circumvention.
By player coach I mean give him a spot on the 53 but he’s there to mentor the young kids and rarely plays. Maybe he sees some field action on 3rd downs or when yo least couple scores but he’s primarily there to mentor the young dline guys.
Watt is part-time with The NFL Today but CBS made big changes to the show this past week. Boomer Esiason and Phil Simms non-renewed, Matt Ryan moved from game analyst to the studio.
Earth to JJ: don’t give up your day job.
He can give a few plays but his injury history probably wouldn’t make it wise to come off the street and play.
Few players have earned the right to call the shots in when, where and if they play. He has.
Coming back to play doesn’t get him anywhere close to winning a superbowl…the Texans might make the playoffs but I don’t see them getting to the Super Bowl
His work with charity is great and I hate having to lead with that to avoid getting slammed.
He is such an attention seeker. I’ll never forget him saying on camera “candidly” to deshaun watson “I’m sorry we wasted one of your years” or whatever it was.
JJ Watt is actually one of the least attention seeking celebrities out there.
He even turned down countless multi-million dollar opportunities SOLELY because he was tired of being in the spotlight, and felt self-conscious about it.
That is DESPITE the fact the main reason his popularity had skyrocketed was due to doing anything and everything in his power to raise money and help out his newly adopted home.
Watt was raised extremely reserved, and he’s actually a very humble guy. Clearly, someone lied to you, or you just made a false assumption somewhere down the line..
Either way, Watt is actually one of the few celebrities that truly deserves to be celebrated and has 100% earned whatever spotlight and attention he gets…
I have no illusions to think he is anything other than a stand up guy, I don’t think I can put a finer point on that.
I didn’t say he doesn’t deserve spotlight or attention. He was a great football player and an even better man.
There are plenty of examples you can find on youtube of “moments” like the one I mentioned that are a bit cringe seem more scripted for a camera than genuine. I will leave it at that.
I hope he comes back and plays another year, that would be great for football.
I suppose if an ill-advised NFL comeback isn’t in the cards, J.J can always put on the boxing gloves and go a few rounds with Mike Tyson.
JJ still chasing that ring. Maybe goto KC or SF.
Total lies. His heart condition had nothing to do with the COVID vaccine. He also didn’t ‘almost die’ and played literally three days after.
RCT is definitely a newly discovered Democrat, he identifies himself as a diehard Swiftie, absolutely loves Travis Kelce and the Chiefs, still vents daily about getting justice for the January 6th insurrection, eats Fruit Loops for breakfast every morning, and 100% voted for Biden, much like Biden possesses a very aggressive nap schedule…
Keep doing God’s work rct!!!
Also, I know you’re obsessed with vegetables so much so you even voted one for president, but I’m pretty sure there is too much of a good thing buddy…
It’s just football bud, calm down
What a richard …
@ richard c / If you weren’t so eager to troll you would know that rct is a long time regular of the PFR forum and a solid Giants fan. His comments certainly display more intelligence than yours.
But it was nice of Rich to drop by and wax poetic, making clear his love for a lifelong turd, con man and coward. I’m sure his home is adorned with memorabilia from similar figures from Americana, like Capone and Gotti
I’m sure he’s cuddling his little “frumpy” bear in his trailer home
LMAO
Why did he retire in the first place if he still wants to play?….he has the network job, isn’t that enough attention?
Pittsburgh media loves to fantasize about players coming here. Watt has a brother here. Aaron Donald was born and raised here and still does a great deal of charity work locally. I’d wonder whether either player would contemplate a return if injuries or subpar line play is an issue in a season in which they are contending
Nice to dream, I guess