Why is retired JJ Watt suddenly at Packers practice?

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Why is retired JJ Watt suddenly at Packers practice?

Originally posted on NFL on ClutchPoints
By Benedetto Vitale, ClutchPoints | Last updated Aug 6, 2026 8:13 PM ET

The Green Bay Packers are in the middle of training camp as the team prepares for the 2026-27 campaign. However, a surprise visit from JJ Watt turned heads, as the retired edge rusher showed up to practice.

While an unretirement announcement would be thrilling in Green Bay, Watt is not returning to the NFL to play for the Packers, according to Rob Demovsky of ESPN. Instead, the former five-time First-Team All-Pro is expected to be part of the CBS broadcast team for the club’s Week 1 opener against the Minnesota Vikings. It appears Watt is attending practice, getting a good feel for the team for his broadcasting gig.

“JJ Watt taking in Packers practice today,” Demovsky said. “No, he’s not coming out of retirement. He is expected to be on the CBS broadcast Week 1 at Minnesota.”

J.J. Watt taking in Packers practice today.

No, he’s not coming out of retirement. He is expected to be on the CBS broadcast Week 1 at Minnesota. pic.twitter.com/TIxiiwgqVf

— Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) August 6, 2026

Although Packers fans would love a defensive end pairing of JJ Watt and Micah Parsons, that idea will remain in Dream World. Watt is seemingly happily retired, as he has not played since the 2022-23 campaign. At the very least, the future Hall of Famer got a good in-person look at the Packers ahead of the new season.

After being eliminated early in the playoffs last year by the Chicago Bears in the Wild Card round, the Green Bay franchise hopes for more success moving forward. The front office made a plethora of moves, most notably opening the wide receiver room to ensure a clearer pecking order for quarterback Jordan Love.

Fans will get their first look at this year’s Packers team on Thursday, August 13. The club is scheduled to take on the Pittsburgh Steelers in a preseason matchup.

This article first appeared on NFL on ClutchPoints and was syndicated with permission.

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