Arizona Cardinals defensive end J.J. Watt. The Republic-USA TODAY NETWORK

J.J. Watt excited after first practice with Cardinals

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated 8/24/21

It probably felt like a long-time coming for J.J. Watt to get his first training camp practice in ahead of the 2021 regular season. And nobody was more excited for it than Watt himself.

The three-time Defensive Player of the Year took the practice field Monday in his first camp appearance since signing with the Arizona Cardinals -- and since being put on the Physically Unable To Perform list in July with a hamstring injury. Not surprisingly, Watt's excitement to return to the gridiron translated into him taking part in way more than originally planned.

"That's part of the challenge, is easing yourself back in and trusting it," Watt said via ESPN. "Somebody just asked how I felt and I was like, 'Like a dog chasing a tennis ball.' You're just like, wherever it bounces you want to get it and you're so excited to be out there and, like, it doesn't matter if you're supposed to go where bounces, you're just going for it, and that's what it felt like today."

.⁦@JJWatt⁩ back at it at #CardsCamp. pic.twitter.com/LM32eJOJDX
— Darren Urban (@Cardschatter) August 23, 2021

Of course, Watt still has a lot of ground to cover to get ready for Week 1 against the Tennessee Titans. Still, the veteran is confident following his first day back to work.

"I've been in a lot of football games, I've been in a lot of situations, so I know what my body needs to be ready for Game 1," Watt said. "I don't think the preseason games are one of those things that are absolutely necessary for me."

Watt spent all 10 previous seasons in the league playing for the Houston Texans, tallying 101.0 sacks, 409 tackles, and 25 forced fumbles.

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