HOUSTON Texans coach DeMeco Ryans is making it clear he wants a team legend to return to the team.
Legendary Texan and Cardinal JJ Watt revealed he would be willing to come out of retirement if the Texans really needed him, and Ryans wants to take him up on that offer.
Watt revealed that he had already made an offer to the team that he would be fit and ready to play if they “absolutely needed it”.
“I had 12 great years in this league and I’m really grateful that I came out healthy and playing well,” he told Audacity Sports.
“I told DeMeco last year, ‘Don’t call unless you absolutely have to, but if you call, I’ll be there.’
“And he knows not to call unless it’s absolutely necessary. This is the last year I’ll tell him this, because I’m not going to keep training the way I’ve been training, but he knows that if he ever really needs it, I’ll be there for him.
“I don’t foresee that happening – they have a very good group.”
Texas general manager Nick Caserio seemed open to the idea of Watt returning to the team, talking about it on an episode of The Pat McAfee Show.
“I’m not going to speak for him about what he wants to do football-wise, I’m going to let him promote that on his program,” he said.
“It’s too early, it’s May, the season only starts in September and then you’ll look at the players at the end of October, November, case by case.
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“Between him and [Tom] Brady, we’ll see who comes back first.”
Although Watt and Caserio have been careful with their words and evasive regarding the idea, Ryans has made it clear that he wants Watt on the team.
“I love hearing JJ say he’s ready to go. I have his number on hand in case we need him,” Ryans said.
“JJ looks good, he’s in shape, he’s ready to roll. So maybe I need to make that call and I’m glad he’s open.
“JJ is an excellent player, he’s been an excellent lawyer for a long time in this league. I’m proud of him for what he’s been able to do in the community.
“I need him now! I need to make that call now. Whenever JJ Watt is ready to go, I’m ready to go.”
JJ Watt will be a first-ballot NFL Hall of Famer once he is eligible after an incredible defensive career.
As a defensive end, Watt compiled 449 tackles and 114.5 sacks with 27 forced fumbles.
He knows that if he really needs me, I will be by his side.
JJ Watt on a return to the NFL
He made five Pro Bowls and was named to five All-Pro teams, in addition to winning Defensive Player of the Year three times.
Watt also received the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, one of the most respected honors in sports.
NFL fans were excited about the idea of Watt returning to a year ago and begged for his return on social media.
“YOUR MOVE NOW JJ, WHAT DO YOU SAY,” said one fan.
“I might even shed a few tears if we get JJ a superbowl,” said another fan.
“It’s going to happen,” said a third fan.
“One last lap @JJWatt let’s roll,” said a fourth fan.
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