J.J. Watt looking forward to NFL season with or without fans

Although the NFL released the 2020 schedule earlier this month, there are no guarantees that the season will actually begin on time due to the coronavirus pandemic. While players are hoping everything works out, they're also preparing for a normal start to the season. Well, at least Houston Texans star J.J. Watt is. 

"I don't know what's going to happen," Watt told TMZ Sports. "I'm just like everybody else. We're all kind of just waiting and seeing.

"The uncertainty is the worst part of it all. We don't know what's going to happen. But, I'm training like it's gonna happen on time. And, I'm looking forward to playing -- fans, no fans -- whatever it is. I'm just looking forward to competing and just doing what we do." 

Watt, 31, will be ready for the 2020 campaign after suffering a season-ending injury in 2019 that saw him miss half of the season. Before his injury occurred, though, Watt recorded four sacks, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, 15 solo tackles, four tackles for a loss and 21 quarterback hits in eight games.  

Watt, a five-time Pro Bowler, has been a staple in the Houston defense since being drafted in 2011, and getting him back for 2020 season will help the Texans defend their AFC South title.  

However, the Tennessee Titans may prove to be a strong challenger with Ryan Tannehill signed on for another season. Similarly, the Indianapolis Colts also will be much improved in 2020 after signing veteran quarterback Philip Rivers to a one-year deal. 

So while the Texans have hopes of winning the division for the third consecutive season, it seems they've got much stronger competition in 2020.