NFL legend JJ Watt teases Houston comeback

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Is an NFL legend poised to make a comeback?

JJ Watt, one of the best defensive players ever, retired after the 2022 season, but stunned everyone this weekend when he hinted that he could come back, if needed.

“I’m a very fortunate, lucky man, I have a beautiful wife, I have a beautiful son. I’ve had 12 great years in the league and I’m very thankful to have walked away healthy and playing great,” Watt told reporters in Houston on Saturday. He was doing a media conference for his annual charity softball game.

He said he’s talked to Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans about a return to the franchise he starred for. Watt was a teammate as a rookie with Ryans, who was playing his final NFL season. Watt is now 35.

“I told DeMeco last year: ”Don’t care unless you absolutely need it, but, if you do ever call, I’ll be there.” And he knows not to call unless he absolutely needs it.

“This is the last year I’ll him that, because I’m not going to keep training [the way] I’ve been training,” Watt said.

Houston is doing well without Watt, winning the AFC South last season and winning a wild-card playoff game against the Cleveland Browns.

This will be the final chance to get Watt back, but it seems unlikely. Houston has loaded up on good pass rushers in the off-season.

“He knows if he every truly does need it, I’ll be there for him. 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,” Watt said.

He also has a pretty good day job as an NFL analyst for CBS Sports.