T.J. Watt spills beans on brother J.J. Watt's potential NFL return: "He definitely is still interested"
J.J. Watt announced his retirement from the NFL after the 2022/2023 season. He was the 11th overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft and played 12 seasons in the league before calling it off.
Watt's younger brother T.J. Watt plays for the Pittsburgh Steelers and is one of the best defensive players in the league. When asked by Kay Adams whether his older brother may return to play football, T.J. Watt mentioned that his brother is still interested in football-related activities, but suggested that it would be better to directly ask that from J.J. Watt himself. He said:
"You have to ask him that but I know that he's staying in shape. We talked again last night, we pretty much, I'm always sending him film, he's always wanting to see film, and he's always trying to correct me and help me become a better pass rusher and stuff."
"So, he definitely is still interested, I don't know how real all that conversation is. You'd have to have that with him."
J.J. Watt is currently 35 years old but is still in great shape. Throughout the last season, he was active on social media and didn't shy away from giving his opinion on various topics. He even drove support for his younger brother to win the Defensive Player of the Year award, but eventually, Myles Garrett won it.
In his last NFL season, Watt played 16 games and had 30 solo tackles, nine assists, 12.5 sacks, and one fumble recovery. If any contending team convinces him to play this upcoming season, not many will be surprised if the three-time Defensive Player of the Year produces at the same level.
Which teams could bring J.J. Watt out of retirement?
J.J. Watt recently hinted that he has been training, and he could return to play this upcoming season if the Houston Texans' head coach, DeMeco Ryans, needs him. Watt played 10 seasons for the Texans and is a fan favorite. The AFC South team remains the most likely option for the five-time Pro Bowler if he decides to play again in the NFL
However, the Pittsburgh Steelers have a shot at bringing him back as well. The opportunity to play alongside his brother will be enticing for Watt. Moreover, the Steelers have one of the best defenses in the league, and if they play like a legit Super Bowl contender, then adding a player like Watt will further improve their chances of going all the way.
Even if he does not play again, J.J. Watt is already a future Hall of Famer. In 12 seasons, he had 449 solo tackles, 137 assists, 114.5 sacks, 17 fumble recoveries, and two interceptions. (StatMuse)
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