Could JJ Watt Return to the Houston Texans?
Former NFL superstar J.J. Watt is open to returning to the Houston Texans for one more season, but only under one condition.
Watt, who spent a decade with the Texans before retiring in 2022, revealed his willingness to put his Texans uniform back on during an interview with Houston’s SportsRadio 610.
But here’s the catch: he’s only willing to do so if his former teammate, now head coach DeMeco Ryans, really needs him. As Watt put it, “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.'”
So, why the hesitation? Watt, now 35, has a lot going on. He’s a happily married father, has had a successful NFL career, and is currently working as an NFL analyst for CBS. He’s not keen on putting his body through the rigors of football again unless it’s absolutely necessary.
“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 explained. “But he knows that if he ever truly does need it, I’ll be there for him.”
Ryans and Watt were Texans teammates in 2011, and Watt has a lot of respect for his former coach. He knows that Ryans wouldn’t call unless he thought the team desperately needed his help.
That said, the Texans made some significant moves this offseason, including signing pass rusher Danielle Hunter and bringing in rookie Will Anderson Jr. and former first-round pick Derek Barnett. So, it’s not clear whether Watt would be needed on the field.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not Watt returns to the Texans liegt with Ryans. If the Texans find themselves struggling and in need of a defensive boost, don’t be surprised if Watt gets that call.
- J.J. Watt retired from the NFL in 2022 after 12 seasons with the Houston Texans and Arizona Cardinals.
- Watt is open to returning to the Texans for one more season if head coach DeMeco Ryans needs him.
- Watt played with Ryans on the Texans in 2011.
- The Texans have made some significant additions to their roster this offseason, but it remains to be seen whether Watt would be needed.
- Watt is currently working as an NFL analyst for CBS.
