Could the unthinkable happen in Houston? Brace yourselves, NFL fans, because living legend J.J. Watt is not ruling out lacing up his cleats once more for the suddenly surging Texans.
In a bombshell revelation at his charity softball game Saturday, the retired defensive end dropped this tantalizing nugget: He’d been in talks with rookie coaching sensation DeMeco Ryans about a potential return from his short-lived retirement…if the Texans desperately need reinforcements.
“Look, I had an unbelievable 12-year run and I’m thankful I could walk away healthy after dominating this league,” Watt stated bluntly. “But I told DeMeco straight up last year – ‘Don’t you dare call me unless it’s a freakin’ emergency, but if that happens, I’ll come running.'”
The 34-year-old quickly clarified this shocking possibility has an expiration date. “He knows this is the last season I’m leaving that door open a crack. After that, I’m done with the insane training needed to play at an elite level.”
The former 3-time Defensive Player of the Year tried to temper expectations, lauding the current Texans roster. “They’ve got a stacked team, I don’t see them needing an old man like me.” He chuckled, “But DeMeco’s got my number if utter disaster strikes.”
And what a fascinating situation this would be if that fateful call ever came. Watt and Ryans were briefly teammates in 2011 when Houston made its first-ever playoff appearance behind the rookie phenom’s other-worldly 20.5 sack season.
The thought of the Texans icons reuniting over a decade later, with Ryans having resuscitated the franchise as a first-year head coach in 2023, is the stuff of sports movie scripts. Houston shockingly won 10 games and the AFC South behind Offensive and Defensive Rookies of the Year in quarterback C.J. Stroud and Watt’s heir apparent Will Anderson Jr.
In his prime, Watt was simply unstoppable, racking up a ridiculous 74.5 sacks, 15 forced fumbles, and 299 tackles over his first five years. He seemed destined for the Hall of Fame by age 27 before injuries took their toll.
The Wisconsin native still finished his career with 114.5 sacks (24th all-time), 195 tackles for loss, 25 forced fumbles and a recent Ring of Honor induction in Houston. A storybook return to chase an elusive Super Bowl ring would certify Watt as perhaps the greatest Texan ever.
For now, the 5-time All-Pro says he’s just hoping to “watch and enjoy” Ryans’ team from his couch this season. But if disaster strikes, you just know Watt will be waiting by the phone, feverishly training in case duty unexpectedly calls one final time in Houston.
