jj watt Spent a decade with the Houston Texans. He left Houston in 2021 and joined the Arizona Cardinals, before retiring from football after the 2022 season.
Watt finished his work NFL career Strong, recording 12.5 sacks in 2022. Watt celebrated his 35th birthday in March, and currently works as an NFL analyst for CBS.
The Texans have had some disappointing seasons over the years, but rookie quarterback CJ Stroud and first-year coach Demeco Ryans helped lead the team to the playoffs last season.
The franchise strengthened its roster this offseason by making some great moves in the free agency and trade markets. Now that the team is ready to compete, Watt is willing to return to Houston under one condition.
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Texans defensive back JJ Watt takes the field before the Cincinnati Bengals game on Dec. 27, 2020, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith, File)
Ryans and Watt were teammates in 2011. Retired Watt said he would consider including him in the team texas uniforms If his former partner really needs him he’ll be back for another season.
“I’m a very lucky, fortunate man. I have a beautiful wife, I have a beautiful son. I’ve had 12 great years in this league and I’m very grateful to leave here healthy and playing well.” told Houston’s SportsRadio 610. “I told DeMeco last year, I said, ‘Don’t call unless you absolutely need to, but if you ever call, I’ll be there.’ And he knows not to call unless he absolutely needs to.”
Houston Texans head coach Demeco Ryans during a preseason game against the Saints at the Caesars Superdome on August 27, 2023 in New Orleans. (Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
But Watt also made it clear that his proposal had an expiration date.
“This is the last year I’ll tell him, because I won’t be able to continue training the way I’ve been training, but he knows that if he ever really needs it, I’ll be there for him.”
texas sign pass rusher Danielle Hunter for a two-year contract in March. Hunter joins a defensive line that already includes 2023 NFL Rookie of the Year Will Anderson Jr. and former first-round draft pick Derek Barnett.
TV analyst JJ Watt before Super Bowl LVIII between the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium on February 11, 2024 in Las Vegas. (Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
Of course, injuries could open the door to a potential Watt return. But, Watt said his former team has a “good group” of players for the 2024 campaign.
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“I don’t expect that to happen,” Watt said about whether he expects to get a call from Ryans. “They’ve got a really good group.”
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