Defensive end J.J. Watt coming back for the Houston Texans’ playoff run is inspirational in and of itself; who needs to add any words to an action worth a postseason win or two?
However, when coupled with a speech from the three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, the moment gave chills to Watt’s teammates in practice on Tuesday.
“I’m glad to have him back for sure,” left tackle Laremy Tunsil said via Mark Berman of Fox 26. “You should have heard that speech he said at practice. It kind of gave us chills. It was a good speech. It’s great to have a leader like J.J. Watt back. Let’s go.”
Tunsil wasn’t the only one who was inspired by Watt’s speech in practice. According to the Houston Chronicle’s John McClain, who visiting with players in the locker room during its period open to the media, other players told him about Watt’s speech.
Players are raving about J.J. Watt’s inspirational speech to them at practice about the magnitude of the playoff moment against the Bills. Watt is pumped to return after a 2 month absence.
— John McClain (@McClain_on_NFL) December 31, 2019
Watt tore his pectoral muscle on Oct. 27 in a Week 8 win over the Oakland Raiders at NRG Stadium. While the win lifted the Texans to a 5-3 record at the season’s midpoint, Watt seemingly had sustained a season-ending injury.
However, when he made strides in his recovery in two months, returning to practice on Dec. 24, the All-Pro edge rusher decided to give it a go.
Said Watt after that practice on Christmas Eve: “There’s obviously an element of risk involved that I understand and we understand, but to me, the opportunity to play in the playoffs, the opportunity to try and help this team win football games, there’s nothing that I want more and there’s nothing that — it’s built into me, I just want to be on the field with the guys and I feel really good.”
Houston faces the Buffalo Bills Saturday at 3:35 p.m. at NRG Stadium in the AFC wild-card. If the Texans win, they will either travel to Baltimore or Kansas City based on whether or not the Tennessee Titans upset the New England Patriots in the second AFC wild-card game on Sunday at Gillette Stadium.