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JJ Watt leaves door open for NFL return, ready to answer Texans’ call if needed

Originally posted on FirstSportz
By Pratyusha Srivastava | Last updated 5/6/24

Could JJ Watt be returning to the NFL? Well, not immediately, but he’s just a phone call away as he said recently.

On Saturday, the legendary defensive end revealed how he has extended an open offer to his former team, the Houston Texans’ head coach DeMeco Ryans for his comeback if required necessary. Given that the Texans are emerging as an AFC powerhouse as they aim for the Super Bowl in 2025, Watt expressed his interest in contributing to their success.

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. said JJ Watt via Houston Chronicle‘s Brandon Scott

However, the five-time Pro Bowler emphasized that he doesn’t want his former team to be in such desperation that they need to bring a retired defensive legend back.

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. JJ Watt added

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

As it would, the defensive line has been stepped up and with the speed the Texans are growing under Ryans and reigning Rookie of the Year CJ Stroud, Watt is more interested in watching them dominate the league and enjoy.

Nick Caserio leaves JJ Watt’s football future open-ended

Interestingly, this isn’t the first team the former DE’s return to Houston has been discussed. A few days ago, Texans general manager Nick Caserio appeared on the Pat McAfee Show, where he discussed the potential return of Watt, though added it entirely depends upon the three-time DPOY.

I’m not going to speak for him about what he wants to do relative to playing football, I’ll let him disclose that on your show. Nick Caserio said

IS @JJWatt MAKING A COMEBACK #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/L1adQEuNYg
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) May 2, 2024

If the legendary defensive player did decide to return, it wouldn’t be the first time in the league’s history and it could much likely take the Texans straight to the playoffs, given half a dozen defensive players of Watt’s age recorded a sack each in 2023.

This article first appeared on FirstSportz and was syndicated with permission.

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