Monitoring Potential Comebacks with the Texans and Steelers
Former NFL defensive end J.J. Watt recently appeared on “The Pat McAfee Show” where he revealed that he had been “monitoring” the situations with both his former team, the Houston Texans, and the Pittsburgh Steelers, where his brothers T.J. and Derek play. However, he emphasized that it never escalated to any serious consideration.
A Dream to Play with His Brothers
While Watt admitted that it would have been a dream to play alongside his brothers, he acknowledged that they were already set with their respective teams. He stated that he would have only considered a comeback if it meant a probable Super Bowl run, as he wanted to contribute in a way that could take a team to a new level.
A Change of Heart Midseason
In September, Watt had told Fox News that he did not miss football at all. However, during a visit to Pittsburgh and witnessing his brother T.J. prepare for a game, he had a change of heart. He reflected on this moment, stating, “This is the first time I definitely miss playing.”
Reality Check and Retirement Confirmation
Although Watt acknowledged that conversations with the Steelers may have been different if they had a successful midseason streak, ultimately the team’s first-round exit solidified his retirement decision. He firmly stated, “I’m absolutely done. I’m 1,000% done. You can miss something and not want to do it again.”
Appreciating the Post-Retirement Lifestyle
Watt further emphasized his contentment with retirement by contrasting his brother’s physical ailments after a game with his own leisurely activities. He described how his brother woke up sore and in need of treatment, while he simply enjoyed a pleasant walk and a cup of coffee.
Throughout his career, Watt achieved remarkable success, with five Pro Bowl selections, five All-Pro first-team honors, 114.5 career sacks, and 195 tackles for loss. In 2022, he recorded 12.5 sacks, marking the sixth time he reached double digits in a season.
