The Enduring Allure of Football: Brady and Watt Miss the "Love of Their Life

Despite retirement and successful business ventures, legendary NFL players Tom Brady and J.J. Watt still yearn for the camaraderie and adrenaline rush of the game they once dominated.

Tom Brady and J.J. Watt, two of the most decorated players in NFL history, have embarked on new chapters in their lives since retiring from the gridiron. Brady is pursuing business ventures, including a potential minority stake in the Las Vegas Raiders, while Watt has become an outspoken advocate for mental health awareness and invested in various companies. Yet, despite their successful post-football endeavors, both players admit to missing the "love of their life" – football.

The allure of the sport is deeply rooted in its unique blend of physicality and camaraderie, according to former NFL star Shawne Merriman. "Being in the NFL is the closest you're going to get to two things — family and life," he explained. "You spend so much of your time attached to it, the detaching part is what guys struggle to just let go."

Football fosters an unbreakable bond among teammates, Merriman continued. "When that happens, it has a hold on you that is unexplainable and why a lot of guys struggle to take that next step."

Brady himself echoed this sentiment in his Netflix roast, stating that while he appreciates the opportunities his post-playing career has afforded him, "there's nothing like the feeling of being on the field with your brothers."

Watt, too, expressed an openness to returning to the Houston Texans if the team needed him. "If they need me, I'm here for them," he said. "I love the Texans. I love the city of Houston."

While Brady and Watt have transitioned into new roles, their passion for football remains. Merriman, who also struggled to leave the game behind after his retirement, understands their longing. He launched his own MMA promotion and TV channel to create a sense of community similar to the locker room camaraderie he experienced in the NFL.

"It's not just a physical game," Merriman emphasized. "It's a mental game, it's an emotional game, it's a spiritual game. Football does something to you as a person. It teaches you about life."

Despite their successful business ventures, the love of football continues to burn within Brady and Watt. They may have traded their cleats for suits and microphones, but the memories and bonds forged on the gridiron will forever hold a special place in their hearts.