Hall of Famer Open To Return Amid NFL Retirement

Hall of Famer and former NFL Defensive Player of the Year J.J. Watt is open to return to the league amid NFL retirement. According to a source, the former Pro Bowler is leaving the door open on a possible return if the Houston Texans need him. This would be the only year that the defensive end will play but it would be his final season if he does return. Watt finished his NFL career on a high note with his recent tenure for the Arizona Cardinals, recording 12.5 sacks at 33.

The Texans are in a good place after having an “out of nowhere” year last season where they’re looking like new contenders for decades. Head Coach of the Year, DeMeco Ryans is cracking that door open to reunite with his former teammate, but this time, coaching him. Ryans played one season in Houston’s front seven with Watt in 2011. However, this would only be possible if injuries plague the defensive line midway through the 2024 campaign.

Watt is preparing for this to be his final year if he wants to return by training his body for a potential comeback. However, the key phrase is “if they absolutely need it” so this means he’ll be ready this year only to help bolster the already monstrous defensive line. The Texans are already reinforcing their pass-rushing group this offseason, signing Danielle Hunter and Denico Autry. They also have Will Anderson Jr. who had seven sacks in his rookie season.

Watt’s comments come days after Texans General Manager, Nick Caserio was asked by Pat McAfee about a potential return to the league. He did not rule out the possibility. This is probably the best time for Watt to come back since the team is on the right track to being Super Bowl contenders.

Hall of Famer J.J. Watt Open To Return Amid NFL Retirement

The Return May Happen

Watt’s return would send shockwaves and goosebumps across the league. The star edge rusher hung up his cleats after his 2022 campaign and now may return in 2024. He could have one real final shot of winning his first Super Bowl, so he isn’t going to close the door on an opportunity like that. Watt reflects on what it would take for a return to happen.

“I’m a very fortunate, lucky man, I have a beautiful wife, I have a beautiful son. I’ve had 12 great years in this league and I’m very thankful to have walked away healthy ad playing great,” he said. “I told DeMeco Ryans last year ‘Don’t call me unless you absolutely need it, but, if you ever so 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.”

He’s probably hinting that he wants to come back but would rather stay retired to let the young guys play. He said that the Texans have a good group and anticipates that everyone will stay healthy. Watt could come back to ring chase for other possible teams in 2024.

Potential Destinations

The Chiefs are one destination that will likely get him the Super Bowl he wants in his career. Kansas City is becoming like the New England Patriots under Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid in comparison to the legacy of Tom Brady and Bill Belichick. This means Watt teaming up with Chris Jones on the defensive front for one final season would help the team to their third consecutive ring. Another Super Bowl contender is the Baltimore Ravens despite losing Calais Campbell in 2022, they still have a promising defense.

The Ravens were close to reaching the Super Bowl and it looks like Lamar Jackson is slowing anytime soon. One final team that might be a Super Bowl contender is the Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys are already having a lackluster defensive line after losing Dante Fowler Jr. and Leighton Vander Esch. This would leave the door open if Watt changes his mind and becomes available for other teams for one last run.