JJ Watt goes viral for response to question about NFL comeback

Jan 4, 2020; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) warms up before the AFC Wild Card NFL Playoff game against the Buffalo Bills at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

JJ Watt retired from the NFL following the 2022 season, but there is apparently one scenario in which the three-time Defensive Player of the Year would be willing to strap the pads on again.

While speaking with reporters at his charity softball game in Sugar Land, Texas, on Saturday night, Watt was asked how he resists the temptation of playing in the NFL again, particularly with his close friend and former teammate DeMeco Ryans now coaching the Houston Texans. Many were surprised when Watt did not completely close the door on a comeback.

Though he made it clear he is very happy spending more time with his family in retirement, Watt said he would be willing to play for Ryans if Ryans “absolutely needs it.”

“I told DeMeco last year, I said, ‘Don’t call unless you absolutely need it, but if you ever do call I’ll be there.’ But he knows not to call unless he absolutely needs it,” Watt said. “This is the last year I’ll tell him that, because I’m not gonna keep training the way I’ve been training. But he knows that if he ever truly does need it, I’ll be there for him.”

JJ Watt (@JJWatt) says he’s willing and available to play for the Texans if they need him.

🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼 pic.twitter.com/jcQk9HjRJy

— Will Kunkel (@WillKunkelFOX) May 4, 2024

The Texans are already a playoff team with a solid roster, so we doubt Ryans would work too hard to try to convince Watt to come back. It is noteworthy, however, that Watt is open to it and still feels he is in football shape even after not playing at all last season.

Watt has himself a great new gig, so the chances of him playing in 2024 are extremely slim.