J.J. Watt knows the score. While an overwhelming majority of younger NFL legends are probably unlikely to walk their retirements back (Aaron Donald, cough, cough), Watt certainly fits the bill of someone who could suit up again in the right situation.
Enter DeMeco Ryans, one of Watt’s old teammates and close NFL friends, as he coaches the rising Houston Texans.
At a charity softball game on Saturday, Watt revealed he had previously told Ryans’ that if the head coach came calling from a place of real desperation, he’d make his NFL return. However, the former three-time Defensive Player of the Year maintained that this offer will only last for another year because it’s so taxing to try and keep his body in good enough condition to play in the NFL.
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
Here’s Watt’s quote about coming back to play for the Texans in full:
“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 told DeMeco [Ryans] last year, I said, ‘Don’t call unless you absolutely need it, but if you ever do call, I’ll be there.’ And he [Ryans] 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.”
After everything he’s been through, it remains highly unlikely that the 35-year-old Watt would come back to the league. In fact, he seems to only really be considering it because his friend now coaches the team where Watt made most of his NFL legacy. Well, that and the Texans appear to be a prime Super Bowl contender — something Watt unfortunately never won during his career.
Imagine Watt coming off the defensive edge for Ryans’ Texans while CJ Stroud launches dimes on offense. At the very least, it’s a super cool thought.
