SINCE retiring after the 2022 NFL season, J.J. Watt has consistently been linked with a potential return to the NFL.
These discussions reignited recently after the three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year told reporters he would consider returning to help out the Houston Texans if needed.
Speaking at his annual charity baseball game in Houston, Watt explained that last year he told Texans head coach and former teammate DeMeco Ryans that should he “absolutely need” him, he’ll make a comeback.
“This is the last year I’ll tell him that, cause I’m not going to keep training the way I’ve been training,” noted Watt.
Naturally, these comments were brought up during his recent appearance on The Pat McAfee Show.
Watt elaborated on his comments during the aforementioned press conference, saying, “I very clearly in that stated that they have no need or use for me whatsoever right now.
“They have a phenomenal defense built. They have a phenomenal team built. They’re perfectly fine.
“It literally was last year and this year, if it came down to an absolutely dire situation where they needed someone to help out, then I would do that.”
McAfee went on to joke that he and his co-hosts had already mapped out the perfect way for Watt to reintroduce himself to the home crowd at NRG Stadium, where he spent 10 of his 12 NFL seasons.
They pictured him wearing the Texans’ new uniform, with a team flag in one hand, the US flag in the other, and a Burnley FC flag in his helmet (as Watt is a part owner in the Premier League soccer team).
“The thought of it is obviously incredible,” replied Watt.
“I had 12.5 sacks my last year, trust me there’s plenty of times where I’m like you absolutely could’ve kept doing it,” he later added.
But despite this, Watt reiterated that he’s “content” with his decision to retire, having gone out following an impressive season, which coincided with the birth of his son, Koa.
“The only thing that you would ever come back for now is if the exact right situation happened where you had the chance to do something that you have never done before,” Watt said.
As for Houston’s perspective on the situation, Ryans replied to Watt’s comments at a team charity golf tournament.
“I love to hear J.J. saying he’s ready, I’ve got his number ready to go,” he joked, later adding, “I may need to make that call.”
When asked what scenario could prompt him to make the call, Ryans said, “I need him now! I need to make that call right now!
“Anytime J.J. Watt’s ready to go, I’m ready to go.”
In the absence of Watt, the Texans have their fair share of defensive firepower up front.
I very clearly in that stated that they have no need or use for me whatsoever right now. They have a phenomenal defense built. They have a phenomenal team built. They’re perfectly fine.
J.J. Watt
Reigning NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Will Anderson will be lining up opposite four-time Pro Bowler Danielle Hunter, who was acquired in free agency this March.
Fellow new signees Foley Fatukasi and Denico Autry are projected to start alongside them in the defensive line.
Linebackers Christian Harris, Azeez Al-Shaair, and Henry To’oTo’o are expected to complete the front seven.
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