Do NFL teams leak rumors in free agency? J.J. Watt points to sinister conspiracy
J.J. Watt may have just retired from the National Football League, but he has still found himself as part of the free agency discussion. But, it's not because he is interested in playing again.
The former Arizona Cardinals defensive end took to Twitter on Thursday afternoon to remind fans about possible rumors that they may hear about NFL players' signing or being traded.
The 33-year-old stated that if rumors are being spread, it's because someone wants that rumor to spread to get attention or perhaps another reason. He said that someone could just guess and start a rumor as well.
He believes that players and teams that wish to keep transactions quiet can absolutely do so. And, J.J. Watt finished by saying that it's completely possible to take that route and keep a deal from leaking before it is officially finished.
"NFL Free Agency/Draft Reminder: If you’re hearing a “rumor” it’s because someone wants you to hear that rumor for one reason or another, or someone is purely guessing. If people want to keep something quiet, they absolutely can. It’s 100% possible to do deals without any leaks.
NFL Free Agency/Draft Reminder:
If you’re hearing a “rumor” it’s because someone wants you to hear that rumor for one reason or another, or someone is purely guessing.
If people want to keep something quiet, they absolutely can. It’s 100% possible to do deals without any leaks.
Watt's thoughts, though, may not be specific to just one player in particular. But just his overall knowledge of the way the NFL operates and who is capable of starting rumors or not. As the free agency period intensifies, those 'rumors' could create some momentum and possibly change the way players handle their free agency.
What did J.J. Watt say about his decision to retire?
With just a few weeks remaining in the 2022 NFL season, Arizona Cardinals defensive end J.J. Watt announced that he would be retiring at the end of the season. While his retirement announcement was a shock to many, it's something that he had been pondering for a long time.
“My last ever NFL home game.”
JJ Watt has announced that he will retire after this season. What a career! 💪 https://t.co/ecmGv1M63S
“I’ve known for a little while. It’s the right time. It feels like the right time. I’ve put so much into the game and the wins and the losses, the mental stress and passion that comes with it, it just weighs on you. It’s heavy, I mean it’s really heavy.”
He told reporters after his final game in January 2023, that it was something that he had been thinking about for a while. And, that it's not just the physical aspect of the game but also the mental stress that comes with an NFL season.
J.J. Watt played in the NFL for 12 seasons, playing his first 10 seasons with the Houston Texans before signing with the Arizona Cardinals in 2021.