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J.J. Watt hasn’t shut the door completely on a potential return to the NFL if the Houston Texans find themselves in dire need, but he’s signaling that this year marks his final offer.
Retirement Reflections and Charity Softball Game
Watt, who retired after the 2022 season, made his comments Saturday as he hosted his annual charity softball game in Houston.
“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 and playing great,” he told reporters. “I told DeMeco [Ryans] last year: ‘Don’t call unless you absolutely need it, but, if you ever do 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.”
Relationship with DeMeco Ryans
Watt and Ryans shared the field in 2011, Watt’s debut season and Ryans’ final year with the Texans. Ryans, now the Texans’ coach, guided the team to success last season, clinching the AFC South division title and securing a wild-card victory.
“He knows he ever truly does need it, I’ll be there for him,” Watt said. “But I don’t anticipate that happening, because they have a very good crew. I hope that everybody stays extremely healthy and they dominate and they don’t need any bodies, and I just get to watch and enjoy it from the couch.”
Texans’ Recent Success and Defensive Lineup
The Texans bolstered their defensive lineup with signings like Danielle Hunter and Denico Autry, complementing rising talent such as Will Anderson Jr., the third overall pick in last year’s draft.
Watt’s Career Highlights and Retirement Plans
Watt won a Defensive Rookie of the Year title and secured three Defensive Player of the Year honors in 10 seasons with the Texans. He finished his career with 114.5 sacks.
Watt now serves as an NFL analyst for CBS Sports. He and his wife, Kealia, have expanded their horizons by becoming minority owners of English soccer club Burnley FC last year.
This report used information from ESPN.
