J.J. Watt retired from the NFL following the 2022 season and did not play for any team last year. But it sounds like he would be open to the possibility of returning to the league this season if the Houston Texans needed him.
During an interview at a recent charity event, J.J. Watt said that he has told Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans that he would be willing to play for the Houston Texans if the Texans “absolutely need it,” making it clear that he has kept himself in playing shape.
“I’ve had 12 great years in this league and I’m very thankful to have walked away healthy and playing great,” Watt said.
I asked J.J. Watt how he resists the temptation to return to football, especially given the Texans’ rise. His answer was interesting.
Watt told DeMeco Ryans he’s still training and is ready if he absolutely needs it. pic.twitter.com/Z3gbfqjOA1
— B.Scott from Hiram Clarke (@brandonkscott) May 4, 2024
“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.’ And he knows not to call unless he absolutely needs it. This is the last year I’ll tell him that, because I’m not going to keep training the way I’ve been training, but he knows that if he ever truly does need it, I’ll be there for him. I don’t anticipate that happening — they’ve got a very good group.”
Obviously, these comments led to a lot of reactions on social media.
Make the call @DRyans59 @HoustonTexans …. It can only be a positive to play DE/DT Hybrid! Not many teams have a JJ Watt as an option! https://t.co/BCaglgKHgC
— CRoyal TV (@RoyalTexanFan) May 5, 2024
If JJ came Texans the Super Bowl favorite. Make the call. https://t.co/6OoWn6pjf3
— CK (@Casey_Kad) May 4, 2024
Sign the man! https://t.co/D61dMqhuTo
— Michaela Cogswell 🦋🐻 (@Michaela_Cogs) May 5, 2024
He’s so back https://t.co/fN2YerGLRD
— htxbobcat (@txstbobs) May 5, 2024
Bring JJ back at the end of the season for 1 last playoff run. He deserves to be a part of this special group w/ Demeco and CJ and Will. https://t.co/fdO0ulA2EX
— Trey Day 🤘 (@pale_writer0) May 4, 2024
👀. Just sign him already https://t.co/PELz2OwjdQ
— Rashad Ramkissoon (@RashadR20) May 5, 2024
It doesn’t sound like that’s necessarily likely, but Watt is keeping it open as a possibility.
