J.J. Watt Open to Houston Texans Return Under One Condition

Former Houston Texans star J.J. Watt has expressed a willingness to return to the team for one more season, but only if head coach DeMeco Ryans deems it absolutely necessary.

Once a beloved figure in Houston, J.J. Watt departed the Texans in 2021 after a decade-long tenure with the franchise. He joined the Arizona Cardinals for a brief stint before retiring from the NFL at the end of the 2022 season. Despite his departure, Watt holds a special place in his heart for the Texans and the city of Houston.

Now working as an NFL analyst for CBS, the 35-year-old Watt maintains a close bond with Ryans, his former teammate in Houston. Watt recently revealed that he had offered Ryans his services for one more season should the Texans face a dire need on their defensive line.

"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.' And he knows not to call unless he absolutely needs it," Watt told Houston's SportsRadio 610.

Watt's offer, however, comes with an expiration date. Recognizing the demands of maintaining his fitness for NFL-level competition, he clarified that 2024 will be the last year he extends such an offer to Ryans.

"This is the last year I'll tell him that, because I'm not going to keep training the way I've been training," Watt stated.

The Texans have bolstered their defense in the offseason, signing pass rusher Danielle Hunter and adding 2023 NFL Rookie of the Year Will Anderson Jr. to their lineup. While injuries could potentially open the door for a Watt comeback, he believes the team has a "good group" of players in place.

"I don't anticipate that happening," Watt said about the possibility of getting a call from Ryans. "They've got a very good group."

Watt's willingness to return to Houston underscores his deep affection for the city and the Texans franchise. While his comeback remains a hypothetical scenario, it serves as a testament to the unbreakable bond he has forged with the team and its fans.