J.J. Watt left the door open for an NFL comeback if the Houston Texans “absolutely need” him this season. DeMeco Ryans would gladly welcome Watt back.
On Saturday, Watt told reporters that Ryans has his number to call in case of an emergency. However, that offer expires after the 2024 campaign.
“I told DeMeco last year, ‘Don’t call unless you absolutely need it. But if you ever do call, I’ll be there,'” Watt said, “And he knows not to call unless he absolutely needs it. This is the last year I’ll tell him that, because I’m not going to keep training [the way] I’ve been training.”
Asked about Watt’s comments on Monday, Ryans said Watt “looks good” and “ready to roll.” While Watt was only considering a return if circumstances made Houston desperate, Ryans would bring in his former teammate any time.
“I need him now. I need to make that call right now,” Ryans said before chuckling, per radio host Sean Pendergast. “Any time J.J. Watt is ready to go, I’m ready to go.”
Following a decade in Houston, Watt closed his career with two seasons on the Arizona Cardinals. He retired after recording 12.5 sacks in 2022 and jumped into broadcasting for CBS last year.
The three-time Defensive Player of the Year could still bolster an NFL defense, and a Texans comeback may give the 35-year-old a chance to pursue his first Super Bowl. Houston has enjoyed a busy offseason, fortifying a title contender around quarterback C.J. Stroud.
While Watt provided Texans fans a slither of hope, a return still sounds like a long shot. Yet Ryans may have an open invitation for Watt to join the team.