NFL legend JJ Watt’s playing days may not truly be over yet.
Despite retiring from the NFL after the 2023 season, Watt, 35, said in May that the door was open for a return to his beloved Houston Texans if necessary.
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Now, reigning NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr., 22, has weighed in on the prospect of Watt returning for one last dance.
“It would be crazy to have him back here,” admitted the former third overall draft pick out of Houston. Sports Radio 610.
“But he does a great job of staying around to get to know us and see how we’re doing.
“And I think that might be a possibility. I don’t know.”
Asked what impact Watt’s theoretical arrival would have on the Texans’ defensive capabilities, Anderson said it would be “crazy.”
In May, before his annual Charity Classic baseball game, Watt told reporters that if Texas coach DeMeco Ryans needed his help, he would be there.
“I’ve had 12 great years in this league and I’m very grateful to have come out healthy and playing well,” Watt said.
“I told DeMeco last year, ‘Don’t call unless you absolutely have to, but if you call, I’ll be there.’
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“And he knows not to call unless it’s absolutely necessary.
“This is the last year I’ll say this to him because I’m not going to keep training the way I’ve been training, but he knows that if he really needs me, I’ll be there for him.
“I don’t foresee that happening – they have a very good group.”
Just two days later, when asked about Watt’s comments at the Texans’ annual Charity Classic, Ryans joked, “I need him now!”
“I need to make that call now. Whenever JJ Watt is ready to go, I’m ready to go.”
The second-year coach and former teammate of Watt also added that he loved hearing Watt say he was “ready to go.”
“I have his number on hand in case we need him. JJ looks good, he’s in shape, ready to roll.
“So maybe I need to make that call and I’m glad he’s open.”
Important NFL Dates
August 1 – Hall of Fame Game – Houston Texans vs. Chicago Bears
August 8th – start of pre-season
August 27 – Deadline for 53-player rosters
September 1st – Last day of pre-season
September 5th – season opener – Baltimore Ravens x Kansas City Chiefs
November 5th – Negotiation deadline
January 5th – Week 18 of the regular season
January 11th – start of playoffs
February 9 – Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, Louisiana
The Texans currently have their fair share of talent at their disposal on the defensive line.
Anderson Jr. was joined this offseason by expensive free agents Danielle Hunter and Denico Autry, while Jerry Hughes and Derek Barnett were both re-signed.
But if Ryans and Co. decide reinforcements are needed, it would allow Watt to put an end to his playing career where it all began.
Selected in the first round of the 2011 draft, Watt was named Defensive Player of the Year three times.
He was also named First-Team All-Pro five times, Pro Bowler five times and Walter Payton Man of the Year once.
Watt is also the only player in league history to have accumulated more than 20 sacks in a single season twice.
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