The Houston Texans’ renaissance caught the attention of JJ Watt.
The three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year hasn’t played since 2022. But if Texas coach DeMeco Ryans calls him, he’ll be willing to consider coming out of retirement. He discussed his potential return to football while speaking at a charity event in Houston on Saturday.
“I’m a very lucky man,” said Watt, according to the Houston Chronicle. “I have a beautiful wife, I have a beautiful son, I had 12 great years in this league and I am so grateful that I came out healthy and playing well.
“I told DeMeco last year; I said, ‘Don’t call unless it’s absolutely necessary. But if you call, I’ll be there.’ And he knows not to call unless it’s absolutely necessary.”
Watt played 10 of his 12 NFL seasons in Houston. He played his rookie season alongside Ryans, who made two Pro Bowls with the Texans as a linebacker and then returned last season as head coach. He led the Texans to an AFC South championship and a playoff victory over the Cleveland Browns.
Armed with reigning Rookie of the Year quarterback C.J. Stroud, reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year Will Anderson Jr. and an array of weapons, the Texans project to compete for the AFC South title and beyond in the near future. Could Watt – who has just three playoff wins in his Hall of Fame career – really be tempted to return to play for his former teammate?
He is 35 years old and says he is staying in football shape. But there is an expiration date on your offer.
“This is the last year I’ll tell him that, because I’m not going to keep training the way I’ve been training,” Watt continued. “But he knows that if he really needs me, I’ll be there for him. I don’t foresee that happening because they have a very good group.”
So what would it imply that the Texans “absolutely” need Watt? Does this mean an injury to a key pass rusher? Struggles on defense at the start of the season?
And could Watt still contribute? He certainly did so in his final NFL season, racking up 12.5 sacks in 16 games with the Arizona Cardinals in 2022. The Texans would almost certainly welcome him with open arms if they “absolutely” felt he was needed. Will Ryans make that call?
