Ex-Texans Star J.J. Watt Preparing to Unretire After Accepting Shocking Bet

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Cole Sullivan | Last updated Feb 25, 2025 10:33 PM ET

Some unprecedented news has been making waves in the sports world in recent weeks regarding former Houston Texans and Arizona Cardinals star J.J. Watt.

Watt, who retired after a stellar 12-season NFL career as one of the league’s most dominant pass rushers, has kept himself busy since leaving the sport in 2022. He took on roles at CBS Sports and became a minority owner of Burnley F.C., a move that has seen him grow deeply involved with the soccer club.

This growing connection with Burnley led to an unexpected and bold bet between Watt and the club’s goalkeeper, James Trafford. Over 12 games ago, during the week when Watt’s brother, T.J. Watt of the Pittsburgh Steelers, was facing off against the Cincinnati Bengals, Trafford proposed a wager. The bet: If Trafford could manage to go the remainder of the season without conceding a goal, Watt would come out of retirement and sign with the Bengals.

Now, with just 13 games left in the season and Trafford having yet to allow a goal, Watt made it clear on the "Dan Patrick Show" Tuesday that he would honor the bet.

"I'll do it," Watt revealed. "If he does that, which is insane, if he does it, it's insane enough and respectful enough that I will absolutely follow through. Who knows if they even want me, I haven't talked to them, but I'm in shape, I'll go play."

Check out the full clip:

JJ Watt says he'll absolutely come out of retirement and play for the #Bengals... if James Trafford doesn't allow another goal for the rest of the season. ⚽
pic.twitter.com/3x85nTDUMf
— WINCINNATI (@WINCINNATI_) February 25, 2025

Watt was an astounding athlete during his time in the NFL. Despite facing his fair share of injuries, he established himself as one of the most dominant defensive players over the last decade and beyond. A five-time Pro Bowler, five-time All-Pro, three-time Defensive Player of the Year, and the 2017 Walter Payton Man of the Year, Watt’s resume is Hall of Fame worthy.

After being drafted in 2011, Watt spent 10 seasons with the Texans. He then played two seasons with the Cardinals before hanging up his cleats.

While it remains a long shot for Trafford to go the remainder of the season without conceding a goal, he’s managed to do so thus far, and Watt may soon have to start dusting off those cleats.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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