Category: J.J. Watt

J.J. Watt weighs in on Azeez Al-Shaair being suspended for hit on Trevor Lawrence

J.J. Watt has some thoughts on Azeez Al-Shaair being suspended for hit on Trevor Lawrence

Former Houston Texans star J.J. Watt knows that tackling is a part of the game of football.

Much like other players, he is not a fan of the elongated suspension for Azeez Al-Shaair following the hit on Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence.

During a segment on “The Pat McAfee Show,” the three-time Defensive Player of the Year voiced his opinion on how the league has handled the situation that occurred in Week 13. He understands both sides, but it’s clear the defender has a soft spot for the defensive player.

“You want Trevor to be okay and that’s hands down first and foremost, No. 1,” Watt told McAfee and co-host A.J. Hawk. “I do think that there’s justification for punishment there, no doubt. I do also think that the punishment is extremely harsh.”

Al-Shaair, who plans to appeal the case on Wednesday with NFLPA representative Ramon Foster, was ejected from the game after the hit. The league office stated as to why Al-Shaair would be suspended, calling out his “lack of sportsmanship and respect for the game of football.”

Texans general manager Nick Caserio called out the NFL for its wording in the letter against Al-Shaair. Watt echoed a similar sentiment.

“If you listen to the comparisons of other punishments that have been handed down across the league and you look at the history and the precedent there, the inconsistency in the punishment is an issue, but I understand a punishment should be handed down,” Watt said.

The Texans enter the bye week at 8-5. Should Al-Shaair’s suspension hold, he won’t be clear to return until Week 18’s season finale matchup against the Tennessee Titans.

Texans receive best news possible on Will Anderson Jr.’s status for Week 12

Will Anderson Jr. was a full participant during Friday’s practice as the Houston Texans prepare to take on the Tennessee Titans.

Will Anderson Jr. is back. That’s good news for the Houston Texans and bad news for the Tennessee Titans.

The second-year defensive end returned to practice on Wednesday and hasn’t missed a day. He was a full participant during Friday’s walkthrough and is expected to play on Sunday when Tennessee arrives for an AFC South showdown at NRG Stadium.

“We’ve been missing him the past couple of weeks,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said Wednesday. “His leadership style, his play style, his demeanor all around. So it’s good to have him back at practice.”

Anderson, the reigning AFC Defensive Player of the Month, left during the first quarter of Week 9’s loss to the New York Jets on “Thursday Night Football” with an ankle injury. While he returned three different times for four plays in the second quarter, Houston elected to rest him for the second half.

He hasn’t played since. The Texans went 1-1 during that span with a comeback loss against the Detroit Lions and a double-digit victory over the Dallas Cowboys.

Fully healthy, he comes back at the right time to help Houston potentially clinch a 5-0 record in the division before the bye week following a showdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Dec. 1.

“I’m excited to be back,” Anderson told reporters Friday. “Just to be back out there with the guys. I was trying my best to hurry up and get back. I’m good now.”

It’s a long shot, but a surging December could put Anderson back in the running for Defensive Player of the Year recognition. He had 7.5 sacks and 11 tackles for loss through the first nine weeks, both ranking among the top three.

Although the pass rush will welcome Anderson back with open arms, four-time Pro Bowler Danielle Hunter has picked up the slack in the former Defensive Rookie of the Year’s absence.

Hunter, who leads the NFL in pressures and had two sacks in the win over the Cowboys on Monday, is now tied for the team lead in sacks with Anderson.

Houston (7-4) is also expected to be without Denico Autry, who’s missed practice all week with a knee injury suffered in Arlington. Defensive tackle Folorunso Fatukasi, who missed Monday’s matchup in the Lone Star Showdown, isn’t expected to play because of a knee injury.

The Titans (2-8) have allowed the fifth-most sacks this season with 33. Second-year quarterback Will Levis often holds the ball for too long, leading to the eventual 27 sacks recorded.

Kickoff between the AFC South foes is scheduled for noon CT.

Texans legend J.J. Watt to be a part of Monday Night Football fun

J.J. Watt might not be on the field, but he’ll be on Monday Night Football when the Houston Texans take on the Dallas Cowboys.

The last time the Houston Texans were on “Monday Night Football,” J.J. Watt appeared on the television screen.

Five years might have passed and Watt might have retired, but the former All-Pro defensive end will still appear on your television when Houston faces off against the Cowboys at AT&T Stadium.

Watt will appear on the “ManningCast” alternate telecast on ESPN2 opposite Peyton and Eli Manning during Monday’s game. The national broadcast will air on ABC and ESPN beginning at 7:15 p.m. CT.

Watt, a three-time Defensive Player of the Year during his 10 seasons with the Texans, will appear during the fourth quarter with the Manning brothers. Former New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick will appear during the first half for his weekly segment.

While many Texans fans have been waiting for Watt to come out of retirement, at least they’ll see the top defensive player in franchise history talk about the program in prominence on national television.

The Texans will be playing their first Monday night outing since Sept. 9, 2019, when they opened the season with a 30-28 loss against the New Orleans Saints. That also marked the first appearance of Laremy Tunsil in a Houston uniform after the preseason trade leading into the new campaign.

The Texans (6-4) trail the series against the Cowboys (3-6) all-time at 4-2.

Texans: J.J. Watt teases fans about potential return with cryptic photo

J.J. Watt hasn’t said anything about his future in the NFL, but his recent photo is getting fans pumped about a potential reunion.

Let the J.J. Watt reunion rumors begin.

Watt, former a three-time Defensive Player of the Year and seven-time Pro Bowl defensive end, has let Houston Texans fans know throughout the 2024 offseason that he’s still in football shape despite being retired. He’s made it clear that he won’t return to the game unless it’s essential for the Hosuton’s success toward a Super Bowl title.

But Watt never got to experience sustained postseason dominance during his 12 seasons between the Texans and Arizona Cardinals. Houston never advanced beyond the Divisional Round.

In two seasons with the Cardinals, Watt watched the team go from being a rising NFC West contender to firing their head coach a year later.

The Texans might not need Watt with the addition of four-time Pro Bowler Danielle Hunter, but does the future Hall of Famer need the Texans? He recently sent the internet ablaze with a photo of him working out at the team facility.

Yes, that’s Watt. Yes, that’s inside the building. No, Watt hasn’t announced he’s doing anything yet.

Could Watt return? If Will Anderson Jr.’s ankle injury remains a problem, there’s a scenario where the former Defensive Rookie of the Year misses time and the guy who he was meant to replace takes his spot.

Does it seem likely? As of now, no.

Watt is about to debut as part of the new CBS Sunday morning crew next week for the start of the new season. He likes the media life and seems content just staying in shape without having to deal with practice heat or injuries.

But with photos like that? Never say never in with contending NFL teams and beloved franchise players these days.

Texans legend J.J. Watt still looks in playing shape after posting new photo

Former Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt isn’t helping silence the rumors that he could return in 2024.

J.J. Watt might be retired, but the former Houston Texans legend still looks like he could strap on a helmet and play tomorrow if DeMeco Ryans were to call.

Monday’s recent post on social media won’t extinguish the rumors that a return for the future Hall of Famer isn’t off the table either.

Watt, one of the league’s most feared defenders of the past decade, posted a workout photo to his X account with the caption: “progress.”

Naturally, Texans fans couldn’t contain their excitement to see the word, thus leading to speculation that the former five-time All-Pro could return to the reigning AFC South champions for one last run before actually calling it a career.

Multiple Texans fans commented, asking for an update on when he’d be signing. Another asked him if he would be on the roster before the Week 11 deadline just to give Houston that extra oomph for a playoff run.

So, could Watt return in 2024?

The image has reasons to create speculation. Still only 35, Watt told reporters during his annual charity softball game earlier this offseason that he’d return to the Texans only out of necessity.

“I’m very thankful to have walked away healthy, playing great,” Watt said  “I told DeMeco [Ryans] last year: I said, ‘Don’t call unless you absolutely need it. But if you ever do call, I’ll be there.’ This is the last year I’ll tell him that, because I’m not going to keep training the way I’ve been training.”

The three-time Defensive Player of the Year shocked the NFL world following the 2022 season when he announced his retirement at only 33.

Watt was technically at the peak of his game when he called it a career, finishing with 12.5 sacks, 18 tackles for loss and seven pass deflections in his final year with the Arizona Cardinals.

Perhaps the most dominant pass rusher of the 2010s, Watt’s 114.5 career sacks rank 34th in NFL history. He’s also one of four players in pro football history to post three or more seasons with at least 17.5 sacks.

It’s not uncommon to see players come back for a swan song run in the playoffs before officially hanging up the cleats. Back in 2021, safety Eric Weddle joined the Los Angeles for a postseason run that eventually led to him winning a Super Bowl.

Right now, it still feels like a pipe dream for both sides. Watt seems poised to turn in his helmet for a microphone as he’ll join the media world with CBS Sports’ “The NFL Today” this fall.

Houston, who clinched its first division title since 2019 behind new franchise defensive end Will Anderson Jr., recently signed veteran Jerry Hughes. The Texans also re-signed Derek Barnett earlier this offseason to a one-year deal and agreed to terms with four-time Pro Bowler Danielle Hunter.

Pictures like that won’t quench the rumor mill, but Watt looks content being a muscle hamster away from the football field.

Still, it never hurts to stay in shape just in case, right?

Texans legend J.J. Watt still looks in playing shape after posting new photo

Former Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt isn’t helping silence the rumors that he could return in 2024.

J.J. Watt might be retired, but the former Houston Texans legend still looks like he could strap on a helmet and play tomorrow if DeMeco Ryans were to call.

Monday’s recent post on social media won’t extinguish the rumors that a return for the future Hall of Famer isn’t off the table either.

Watt, one of the league’s most feared defenders of the past decade, posted a workout photo to his X account with the caption: “progress.”

Naturally, Texans fans couldn’t contain their excitement to see the word, thus leading to speculation that the former five-time All-Pro could return to the reigning AFC South champions for one last run before actually calling it a career.

Multiple Texans fans commented, asking for an update on when he’d be signing. Another asked him if he would be on the roster before the Week 11 deadline just to give Houston that extra oomph for a playoff run.

So, could Watt return in 2024?

The image has reasons to create speculation. Still only 35, Watt told reporters during his annual charity softball game earlier this offseason that he’d return to the Texans only out of necessity.

“I’m very thankful to have walked away healthy, playing great,” Watt said  “I told DeMeco last year: I said, ‘Don’t call unless you absolutely need it. But if you ever do call, I’ll be there.’ This is the last year I’ll tell him that, because I’m not going to keep training the way I’ve been training.”

The three-time Defensive Player of the Year shocked the NFL world following the 2022 season when he announced his retirement at only 33.

Watt was technically at the peak of his game when he called it a career, finishing with 12.5 sacks, 18 tackles for loss and seven pass deflections in his final year with the Arizona Cardinals.

Perhaps the most dominant pass rusher of the 2010s, Watt’s 114.5 career sacks rank 34th in NFL history. He’s also one of four players in pro football history to post three or more seasons with at least 17.5 sacks.

It’s not uncommon to see players come back for a swan song in the playoffs before officially hanging up the cleats. In the 2021 season, safety Eric Weddle joined the Los Angeles Rams for a postseason run that ended with a Super Bowl victory.

 

Right now, it still feels like a pipe dream for both sides. Watt seems poised to turn in his helmet for a microphone as he’ll join the media world with CBS Sports’ “The NFL Today” this fall.

Houston, which clinched its first division title since 2019 behind new franchise defensive end Will Anderson Jr., recently signed veteran Jerry Hughes. The Texans also re-signed Derek Barnett earlier this offseason to a one-year deal and agreed to terms with four-time Pro Bowler Danielle Hunter.

Watt seems content looking like a bodybuilder away from the football field, but pictures like that won’t squelch the rumor mill.

Still, it never hurts to stay in shape just in case, right?

J.J. Watt weighs in on Austin Rivers’ NBA vs. NFL take

Houston Texans legend J.J. Watt made sure to call out Austin Rivers for his egregious take on NBA players vs. NFL players

J.J. Watt has enjoyed his life in retirement. He’s been content not putting his body on the line to reach quarterbacks and instead finds peace with charity softball tournaments, owning a soccer club and being a dad. 

Still, the former Houston Texans star isn’t afraid to call out those who don’t respect the gridiron gang. Watt made it clear his mind revolves around football last week when he called out Austin Rivers for his comments on the NFL vs. the NBA. 

Rivers, a former Houston Rockets point guard and the son of Milwaukee Bucks coach Doc Rivers, said on The Pat McAfee Show earlier in the week that he could “take 30 players right now in the NBA and throw them in the NFL” and the same couldn’t be done with NFL players in the league. 

Watt, a three-time Defensive Player of the Year and five-time first-team All-Pro, vehemently disagreed with the take, quote-tweeting the former guard-turned-analyst: “You don’t got a job in either right now, go head and try it…” 

Both sports are incredibly complicated to master, and it takes years to hone the craft at the pro level. Workouts differ. Skills on the hardwood won’t translate to the football field and vice versa. 

Watt even admitted in a follow-up tweet that he couldn’t make it in the NBA because: “6 hard fouls is about all I could give you and call it a day.”

This isn’t to say in a 7-on-7 tournament or game of pickup the opponent wouldn’t compete, but in a live game? That feels a bit far-fetched. Also, Watt and Rivers both are currently not playing and haven’t for nearly a year. 

Watt retired with the Arizona Cardinals in 2022 after totaling 12.5 sacks to close out his career. Rivers, who spent 11 seasons in the league, last played for the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2023. 

Multiple players have transitioned from one sport to another in the past. Antonio Gates, Jimmy Graham and Tony Gonzalez were all known for their ability on the court before transforming into All-Pro tight ends.

Charlie Ward spent 12 seasons in the NBA after winning a national title and the Heisman Trophy at Florida State in 1993. 

Time will tell whether an NFL player will translate his skills to the NBA or vice versa. Perhaps Roger Goodell and Adam Silver could set up a winner-take-all tournament between the two sides to earn bragging rights for all eternity? 

DeMeco Ryans on potential J.J. Watt return: ‘I’ve got his number ready to go’

DeMeco Ryans isn’t ready to say J.J. Watt will return to the Houston Texans, but he’s also not losing his number anytime soon.

Houston Texans legend J.J. Watt said hours before his annual charity softball game on Saturday that he’d be willing to return to the gridiron if current coach and former teammate DeMeco Ryans “absolutely needs it.” 

Right now, Ryans seems content with his current set of pass rushers, but he doesn’t plan on losing Watt’s number anytime soon. 

“I love to hear J.J. saying he’s ready,” Ryans said on Monday before the Texans’ annual golf tournament. “I’ve got his number ready to go just in case we need him. 

“I may need to make that call, so I’m happy that it’s open from him.”

Watt, 35, spent a decade in Houston after being selected 11th overall in the 2011 NFL draft. He’d win three Defensive Player of the Year awards while setting the franchise record in sacks (101) before being released following the 2020 season. 

Watt and Ryans were teammates for the 2011 season before the latter was traded to the Eagles. In a sense, it was a passing of the torch since Ryans had been the face of Houston’s defense since his rookie season in 2006. 

The two remained close despite being on opposing teams. Ryans was present for Watt’s final game with the Cardinals in 2022 before being hired back to Houston the following offseason. 

“He knows he ever truly does need it, I’ll be there for him,” Watt said of Ryans before the game Saturday in Sugar Land. “But I don’t anticipate that happening, because they have a very good crew. I hope that everybody stays extremely healthy and they dominate and they don’t need any bodies, and I just get to watch and enjoy it from the couch.”

Ryans was asked what would factor into the decision Watt for a reunion. The coach aptly avoided going into details of how a deal could come into place. 

“I need to make that call right now,” Ryans said. “Anytime J.J. Watt’s ready to go, I’m ready to go.”

Despite the departure of sack leader Jonathan Greenard, Houston remains in good standing at defensive end. Reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year Will Anderson Jr. is looking to build off a dominant first season in which he broke Watt’s rookie record with seven sacks. 

The Texans also reinforced their pass-rushing department with the additions of Danielle Hunter and Denico Autry. Hunter, a native of Katy who inked a two-year deal, finished top-five in sacks last season with 16.5 and led the league in tackles for loss with 23.5. 

Autry, a veteran defensive lineman with experience both at defensive tackle and edge rusher, totaled 11.5 sacks in his final season with the Titans. 

Houston also brought back No. 3 edge rusher Derek Barnett and signed veteran Mario Edwards Jr. The Texans still have second-year defensive end Dylan Horton and drafted USC’s Solomon Byrd last month. 

Right now, Watt’s life revolves around football, but in the broadcast booth. He recently was hired as an NFL analyst for CBS Sports. Watt and his wife, Kealia, also became minority owners of English soccer club Burnley FC last year.

It’s good to know that Ryans could pick up the phone and ask Watt to strap on a helmet in a pinch, but his immediate focus is on the players taking the field entering OTAs next month. 

J.J. Watt impresses with former teammates at annual charity softball game

J.J. Watt and the Houston Texans took the field Saturday night for his annual softball game.

J.J. Watt might be retired, but he still has the power to punish quarterbacks for a sack.

These days, however, he’s too busy sending softballs over the fence at Constellation Field.

Watt won MVP of the annual J.J. Watt Charity Classic event in Sugar Land as the Legends secured a 14-1 victory over the current Texans players. Watt, Houston’s all-time leader in sacks (101) headlined the Legends’ squad along with current coach DeMeco Ryans, Fall of fame receiver Andre Johnson, Brian Cushing, Shane Lechler, Johnathan Joseph, Kareem Jackson, T.J. Yates, Glover Quin and Antonio Smith.

The game, which was a public event for fans to attend, raised $7 million for middle school athletic programs across 40 states through the J.J. Watt Foundation.

“When we started this back when I was in college, the whole reason was because I saw that not everybody had the same opportunities,” Watt told reporters pregame. “I don’t think that’s fair for middle school kids to be punished because adults can’t afford things. I’m really fortunate that we have so many people that share the same feelings and are willing to come out and support and donate.”

Watt started the event back in 2013, but put it on hiatus for four years back in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. After being released, Watt joined the Cardinals for two seasons, pushing the event further down the line.
Before being inducted into the Texans’ Hall of Fame last October, Watt announced the game would be coming back with the same flare and rules, including the pregame home run derby. Former punter Shane Lechler claimed the long ball title over Case Keenum with a last-second home run.
Watt’s son, Koa, was supposed to throw out the first pitch. Perhaps a tad flustered having to impress a sold-out crowd, Koa instead opted to clutch onto Dad’s shoulders with his back toward the crowd while the three-time Defensive Player of the Year tossed the ball toward home plate.

“Someday, I’ll be able to show him the footage and be able to tell him how special this all was and what we’ve built down here,” Watt said postgame. “And hopefully teach him, so he can one day do something special like that.”

Multiple current Texans attended the event, including newly acquired receiver Stefon Diggs. Katy native and defensive end Danielle Hunter, who signed a two-year, $51 million contract this offseason, also participated along with Nico Collins, Laremy Tunsil, Tytus Howard, Dalton Schultz, Jalen Pitre and reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year Will Anderson Jr.
C.J. Stroud, who was initially scheduled to participate, did not attend as he’s on a tour through Asia, hosting youth football clinics with Cowboys defensive end Micah Parsons.
Tank Dell, Hosuton’s breakout rookie receiver last season, also did not attend. Dell was the victim of a shooting last week as a bystander during an altercation at a bar in Florida. He was released from a hospital on Saturday after being treated for a minor wound and is expected to make a full recovery.
Houston is hoping its winning ways continue entering Year 2 under Stroud and Ryans. Watt, who was there for the first of three losing seasons in 2020, said he’s seen the changes that make the Texans feel like a legit contender.
“You look at where this franchise was two years ago to where it is today, it’s a credit to everybody in the organization for building something special,” Watt said. “DeMeco is a massive part of that. I think players want to come play for DeMeco Ryans. Houston is a destination. It’s really fun to watch as a former player.”

Could J.J. Watt return to Texans in 2024 for postseason run?

J.J. Watt is retired, but he hasn’t ruled out potentially returning in a must-win situation for the Houston Texans down the line.

J.J. Watt might be enjoying retirement, but he hasn’t completely closed the door on suiting up for the Texans down the line.

At least that’s how he feels heading into the summer.

Watt told reporters prior to first pitch of his annual charity softball game that he’s been staying active while enjoying life away from the gridiron. However, Watt could be tempted to strap on the helmet if former teammate and current coach DeMeco Ryans needs him for a game en route to a Super Bowl.

“I’m very thankful to have walked away healthy and playing great. I told DeMeco last year, I said, ‘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.”

The former three-time Defensive Player of the Year has a life outside of football. He and his wife, Kealia, are currently minority owners of Burnley Football Club in England.  Watt also recently was hired by CBS Sports as part of the new Sunday pregame crew.

While Watt hasn’t closed the chapter entirely when it comes to football, he “enjoys the couch” more than ever.

“I very much don’t want that to ever be the case,” Watt said. “I hope that everybody stays extremely healthy, and they dominate, and they don’t need any other bodies.”

Drafted 11th overall in 2011, Watt went on to set every defensive record in Texans’ history over his decade-long stay. He spent two seasons with the Cardinals before retiring following the 2022 season.

He’s the franchise’s all-time leader in sacks (101), tackles for loss (172) and forced fumbles (25). Watt was also a five-time first-team All-Pro recipient and earned five Pro Bowl selections.

“I’m a very fortunate, lucky man,” Watt said. “I have a beautiful wife, I have a beautiful son, I’ve had 12 great years in this league.”