Tag: J.J. Watt Ring of Honor

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.

Stroud big game preserves J.J. Watt enshrinement; Texans beat Steelers 30-6

Houston Texans QB C.J. Stroud was stellar, ensuring J.J. Watt’s Ring of Honor enshrinement was not spoiled against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

C.J. Stroud notched his second game with 300-plus passing yards as the Houston Texans preserved the enshrinement of former defensive end J.J. Watt with a 30-6 victory Sunday afternoon at NRG Stadium.

The Texans inducted the three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year at halftime into the team’s ring of honor. Stroud’s 306 passing yards and two touchdowns were bulwarks that ensured no Houston fan would go home disappointed.

Stroud went 16-of-30 with a 111.2 passer rating and took no sacks. The No. 2 overall pick also extended his streak to 151 attempts without an interception to start a career, padding an existing NFL record.

WATCH: J.J. Watt and T.J. Watt embrace ahead of Texans vs. Steelers

Brothers J.J. Watt and T.J. Watt embraced ahead of the Houston Texans versus Pittsburgh Steelers matchup in Week 4 at NRG Stadium.

Although the Pittsburgh Steelers and T.J. Watt are playing spoiler to the Houston Texans and former defensive end J.J. Watt’s big day, there was an opportunity for brotherly love inside NRG Stadium.

During pregame warmups, the outside linebacker and youngest of the three Watt brothers met with his oldest brother on the sidelines. J.J. and T.J. embraced and then blended in with the ensemble Watt family — including former fullback Derek — to take pictures.

The only time the brothers Watt faced each other in a game was Week 3, 2020, at then-Heinz Field. The Steelers prevailed 28-21. The three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year may want an opposite outcome on the day he is to be enshrined into the Texans Ring of Honor at halftime.

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Texans vs. Steelers live blog: 30-6 Houston, FINAL

Follow along for all of the action as the Houston Texans take on the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 4.

There will be a football game inside NRG Stadium, but much of the excitement surrounding the Houston Texans and Pittsburgh Steelers Week 4 tilt involves J.J. Watt.

The former three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year and face of the franchise is going into the Texans Ring of Honor at halftime. If a burgeoning team with a talented rookie quarterback can’t fill up NRG Stadium, this might at least for one afternoon.

No doubt Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt would love to spoil his big brother’s homecoming. Given the lesser Watt leads the NFL with 6.0 sacks and Houston has Austin Deculus, Geron Christian, and George Fant as tackles, it might not be far fetched.

How to watch

Pittsburgh Steelers at Houston Texans — Sunday, Oct. 1, 12:00 p.m. CT

TV channel: KHOU-TV

Live stream: FuboTV

Radio: Sports Radio 610 (KILT-AM), Mega 101 (KLOL-FM) (Marc Vandermeer & Andre Ware)

Location: NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas

Forecast: Mostly sunny, 85 degrees, 12 mph wind (indoors)

Follow the @TheTexansWire and the crew (@therealmarklane, @BigSargeSportz, @chrisnallsnfl @JohnHCrumpler)

 

Pregame

There aren’t too many surprises with the inactives as the Texans had to use five of those spots for injuries.

The brothers Watt were spotted embracing on the field.

 

First quarter

15:00 — The Texans get the ball first.

11:07 — Houston’s offense is dealing as they have driven 58 yards in seven plays down to the Steelers’ 12-yard line. However, they have to use their first timeout ahead of a second-and-9 from the 11.

10:29 — “I like a quarterback run here, even a draw,” Texans Radio commentator Andre Ware said. Well, that is what happened on third-and-3 from the Steelers’ 5-yard line as QB C.J. Stroud seemingly rushed for a touchdown. However, the play went under further review. Either way, Stroud picked up the first down at the 1-inch line.

10:15 — RG Shaq Mason commits a false start.

10:13 — Stroud hits RB Dameon Pierce for a 5-yard touchdown, but Mason gets dinged for ineligible man downfield to nullify the touchdown.

8:58 — Stroud connects with WR Nico Collins for a 2-yard touchdown. Extra point from K Ka’imi Fairbairn is good. Texans, 7-0

8:16 — QB Kenny Pickett scrambles eight yards on third-and-7 from the Steelers’ 22-yard line.

6:22 — Pickett sneaks for one on third-and-1 from the Steelers’ 39.

5:43 — DE Jerry Hughes sacks Pickett for an 8-yard loss on first-and-10 from the Steelers’ 40.

1:23 — Fairbairn hits a 36-yard field goal. Texans, 10-0

 

Second quarter

15:00 — Houston can expect a punt as the Steelers will begin the quarter facing a third-and-8 from their own 27-yard line.

14:52 — Although OT Austin Deculus started at left tackle, the Texans substitute OT Geron Christian.

12:13 — The Texans flub again in the red zone, but Fairbairn nails a 38-yard field goal. Texans, 13-0

10:51 — Houston turns the Steelers offense three-and-out again as Pickett throws incomplete on third-and-8 from their own 23.

7:09 — The Texans called their second timeout ahead of a fourth-and-inches from the Pittsburgh 28-yard line. The plan: Stroud throws incomplete for TE Andrew Beck, turnover on downs.

5:13 — On a third-and-8 from the Steelers’ 42, Pickett hits RB Jaylen Warren for seven yards.

4:26 — As an homage to some of the offenses J.J. Watt had to suffer with, TE Brevin Jordan commits a false start on first-and-10 from the Texans’ 20-yard line.

2:10 — Stroud can’t connect with Collins on third-and-5 from the Houston 45.

1:33 — The Texans would have had a big one. CB Shaquill Griffin intercepted Pickett at the Steelers’ 38-yard line. However, Griffin was dinged for defensive pass interference at the Pittsburgh 20-yard line.

1:24 — DE Jonathan Greenard sacks Pickett for a loss of four on second-and-5 from the Pittsburgh 40, compelling the Steelers to use their first timeout.

1:19 — The Texans get the Steelers off the field, but DT Maliek Collins commits defensive offsides on a third-and-9 from the Pittsburgh 36.

1:15 — Now it’s the Steelers’ turn to take a ticket as TE Pat Freiermuth commits offensive pass interference on third-and-4.

1:06 — On third-and-14 from the Steelers’ 31, Pickett dumps off to Freiermuth for nine yards. The Texans call their final timeout of the half.

0:04 — Fairbairn hits a 39-yard field goal, capping off a drive were Stroud led Houston 57 yards in five plays with no timeouts. Texans, 16-0

 

Halftime

Stats

TEXANS

Stroud: 10/20, 179 yards, TD; 3 carries, 15 yards

Pierce: 14 carries, 61 yards; 1 catch, 27 yards

Collins: 4 catches, 78 yards, TD

Nelson: 2 tackles, INT, PD

 

STEELERS

Pickett: 9/14, 35 yards, INT; 2 carries, 9 yards

Najee Harris: 5 carries, 16 yards

Warren: 4 catches, 16 yards

 

Third quarter

9:35 — The Steelers get off to a better start with the opening possession of the second half. K Chris Boswell hits a 35-yard field goal to cap off a 10-play, 58-yard drive. Texans, 16-3

8:54 — On third-and-6 from the Houston 29, Stroud gets dinged with an intentional grounding. Houston’s first drive of the second half is a three-and-out.

7:17 — On a third-and-4 from the Houston 40, Pickett hits Harris for 32 yards down to the 8-yard line, first-and-goal.

5:54 — On third-and-goal from the 5-yard line, Pickett misses WR Allen Robinson.

5:49 — Boswell hits a 23-yard field goal. Texans, 16-6

4:54 — The Texans were able to pick up at least one first down with WR Tank Dell getting a quick hitter for 16 yards on the first play. However, the drive stalls on third-and-9 from the Texans’ 42 as Stroud’s pass for WR Robert Woods falls incomplete.

2:45 — Circle this one. On first-and-10 from the Houston 42, S Jalen Pitre hits Warren just as he’s about to take the handoff from Pickett, causing a fumble. Pickett falls on the ball at the 50 for an 8-yard loss.

1:58 — After an incomplete second down pass, Pickett hits WR George Pickens for 17 on third-and-18 from the 50. The Steelers call timeout facing a fourth-and-1 from the Houston 33.

1:16 — Greenard sacks Pickett for a 9-yard loss. Pickett is grabbing his left knee.

0:14 — Stroud hits Collins for 24 yards up to the Pittsburgh 35 for the last play of the quarter.

 

Fourth quarter

13:41 — On third-and-11 from the Pittsburgh 36, Stroud hits Collins for 14 yards.

10:54 — The Texans show a little razzle-dazzle as RB Singletary throws a 6-yard touchdown pass for TE Dalton Schultz. Extra point is good. Texans, 23-6

10:44 — QB Mitch Trubisky is in at quarterback as Pickett has been ruled out.

4:51 — LG Kendrick Green was injured and needed assistance off the field.

3:46 — On third-and-7 from the Houston 48, Stroud finds Collins for a 52-yard touchdown. Extra point is good. Texans, 30-6

0:00 — The Texans are now 3-0 when putting one of their own in the Ring of Honor. Coverage all night at Texans Wire.

Texans legend J.J. Watt partnering to fight food insecurity in Houston

Former Houston Texans DE J.J. Watt is teaming up to fight food insecurity in the city of Houston.

J.J. Watt hasn’t exactly taken it easy since retiring.

The soon-to-be Houston Texans Ring of Honor inductee has been busy taking care of his son, Koa, alongside his wife Kealia Ohai Watt in addition to new ventures such as investing in the Burnley FC of the premier league. Despite the broad scope of these new, post-football activities, the Watts have not lost sight of Houston and how much it meant to them.

The Texans Wire was able to speak to the couple on Wednesday about their new partnership with Frito-Lay and Cheetos to help combat food insecurity in the community. According to Texas Children’s Hospital, there are 724,500 food insecure individuals in Harris County including 23.6% of children. This was an issue that spoke to both J.J. and Kealia.

“Food insecurity is a big issue in this country and certainly is here in Harris County,” Watt said. “What Frito is doing in putting these grab and go meal stations in school is giving kids an opportunity to get food, so that we can combat that.

“Then, also, we’re providing kids through GenYOUTH with flag football kits in school so that they can be active and get involved in the game. They can work on all the things like team work and discipline. Fritos, Cheetos, GenYOUTH, everyone is doing a great job and we’re excited to partner with them and play a little flag football.”

In addition to the partnership with Frito-Lay & Cheetos, the couple is hosting a flag football clinic for children in Houston with GenYOUTH. This national organization promotes healthy school communities by empowering students. Working in tandem with this organization represents another part of their efforts, as flag football kits are being donated to schools to promote a healthy lifestyle.

“It’s obviously a bunch of kids from the community and we’re gonna play some flag football and enjoy some Frito products,” Watt continued. We’re going to just have a good day. We’re back here in Houston, we’re excited to be back in Houston, we love it here and are excited to see kids in the community.”

This wasn’t a previous partnership of Watt’s from his time with the Houston Texans. However, the issue and the opportunity to make an impact spoke to him as an additional chance to help the community that watched him transform into an NFL star.

“This is new,” Watt explained. “Frito was talking to us about what they want to do to help combat food insecurity and we’re excited to be on board.”

The event today will feature the Watt’s coaching against each other and spending time with children at the event. The duo weren’t shy about how excited and competitive they were ready to be regarding the upcoming game.

“We’re going to have a little flag football,” Watt said. “I’m not 100% sure but I’m kind of hoping Kealia coaches one team and I coach the other… winner wakes up early with Koa tomorrow morning and the other gets to sleep.”

Kealia commented afterward that, despite believing in her own coaching advantage, she just hopes it doesn’t end with “a big fight on the field.”

Regardless of the couple matchup, the ultimate winner looks to be the city of Houston and how drafting Watt continues to pay dividends to the community over a decade later. Fans will be able to welcome Watt back to the city in October when the Houston Texans face off against the Pittsburgh Steelers and retire Watt’s jersey at halftime.

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LOOK: Houston Texans announce 2023 home game themes

Take a look at each home game theme for the Houston Texans in 2023.

The excitement in Space City for the 2023 NFL season is much welcomed, and the Houston Texans did their part to stoke the fan base.

The Texans announced Monday their 2023 themes for each home game at NRG Stadium.

One game that was circled on the calendars of Texans fans before the announcement was Oct. 1 when J.J. Watt is inducted into the Ring of Honor at halftime against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 4. Houston is making this their “Legends Homecoming” theme.

The Texans have slated Nov. 26 against the Jacksonville Jaguars as their Battle Red Day for Week 12. It won’t be the only time they wear their Battle Red Helmets as the Texans can wear those a maximum of three times this season.

Here is a look at all of the home game themes for the Texans at NRG Stadium throughout the preseason and regular season.

Arian Foster must be next in Houston Texans Ring of Honor

If the Houston Texans seek a fourth inductee into the Ring of Honor, former RB Arian Foster must be considered | from @johnhcrumpler

What qualifies someone as a franchise great?

The Houston Texans established their ring of honor during the 2017 campaign. The first member was wide receiver Andre Jonhson, the franchise’s all-time leader in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns. Two years later, the franchise inducted the late Bob McNair for his successful efforts in bringing the NFL back to Houston.

Since then, Houston opted to make no additions to their most elite circle. It wasn’t until J.J. Watt, a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year and five-time All-Pro, retired that the team finally announced their third Red Jacket distribution, which will be a family affair in Week 4 against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Watt is largely considered the greatest player in franchise history and one of the greatest defenders of the last decade, if not of all time. However, his inclusion into the Ring of Honor has raised a fair question amongst Houston fans. Are there any other players from the team’s 20-year history that deserve inclusion?

Many names have been thrown out. Cornerback Johnathan Joseph is considered the best free agent signing in team history and leads the franchise in interceptions and was fourth in tackles. Matt Schaub remains the team’s all-time leader in passing yards and touchdowns. However, one name stands out far more than his peers.

Running back Arian Foster.

Foster played from 2009-15 with Houston as an undrafted free agent and was as dominant. His 6,472 rushing yards are more than double the next closest player, as are his 54 rushing touchdowns. Even coming out of the backfield, his 249 receptions are currently fifth in franchise history. 

Foster was Houston’s offensive engine with an amazing blend of vision, contact balance, and explosiveness to affect both the running and passing games. Simply put, Foster did everything about as well as anyone.

Outside of the young history of the franchise, his career reflects that dominant player. Foster had 4 different 1,200-plus yard seasons and led the NFL in rushing touchdowns in both 2010 and 2012. His emergence, and three-time All-Pro selections during this period, corresponded with Houston’s emergence into relevance after a dreadful expansion era, finally qualifying for the playoffs in the 2011 season.

These numbers are comparable to the best players of his era at his position. The 2010’s All-Decade team at running back included Adrian Peterson, Frank Gore, LeSean McCoy and Marshawn Lynch. Of that group, Foster’s four Pro Bowl appearances are just one less than Lynch and Gore. His two-time All-Pro selections were equivalent to Lynch and McCoy and actually one more than Gore.

It was a shorter career for Foster, with only six starts after the 2014 season, but his peak was as dominant as almost anyone in his era.

There’s a fair argument to be made that running back is largely the one position where longevity cannot be too heavily accounted for. The shelf life of the position is short and that reality has never been more exposed than in today’s NFL where statistically savvy general managers are now largely refusing to dole out second contracts to the position.

Foster’s dominance during the most productive time in franchise history creates a fierce argument for his eventual inclusion in the ring of honor. It would take a borderline Hall of Fame career from Dameon Pierce or any future Houston back to supplant No. 23 as the best in franchise history.

Foster’s off-the-field presence, from imitating dinosaurs while at the Tennessee to his comments that the NFL is “scripted” this past year, makes him the most unique personality that’s come through the franchise in their short history.

What his current relationship with the franchise looks like remains unknown. Foster made it clear in 2018 he was disappointed in comments made by McNair and ultimately declined to attend Johnson’s induction.

Who knows if the interest would be mutual if Houston did decide to pursue an induction?

What is crystal clear, despite all of that, is Foster’s success on the football field easily places him among the franchise’s best players ever. Maybe one day Houston will circle back to the star running back of the Gary Kubiak era.

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J.J. Watt believes Texans have ‘phenomenal’ talent in Will Anderson

J.J. Watt has kept up with the Houston Texans since retiring, and believes they have a “phenomenal talent” in rookie DE Will Anderson.

J.J. Watt was the face of the Houston Texans for 10 seasons.

From 2011-20, Watt oversaw the team’s first AFC South title, their first playoff win, and built his Hall of Fame resume along the way. The former first-round pick from Wisconsin earned a record-tying three NFL Defensive Player of the Year awards, had four seasons with over 16 sacks, and was a five-time first-team All-Pro. Altogether, Watt compiled a career that ultimately led to the Texans announcing plans to induct Watt into the team’s Ring of Honor.

There is no doubt that Watt’s accomplishments deserve celebration and he took time with the Houston media Tuesday afternoon to reflect on that and his recent retirement. However, Watt was also quick to point out the future of the organization appears bright as well. Those comments were extremely evident when he spoke of No. 3 overall pick, defensive end Will Anderson.

“I think Will is a phenomenal player,” Watt said on a Zoom call. “I’m very excited to watch him grow, to watch him develop, to see what [defensive coordinator] (Matt) Burke does with him in that defense, DeMeco’s defense.”

From what Anderson displayed at Alabama, Watt is impressed.

“The attack mindset, watching — he’s a freak athlete,” said Watt. “He’s already great at getting to the quarterback. So, I’m excited to watch him develop and grow, and hopefully get down there and speak with him a bit as well at some point. For me as a pass-rusher, I’m very excited to watch Will.”

Coach DeMeco Ryans’ defense thrived in San Francisco with edge rusher Nick Bosa causing havoc on the perimeter. Houston parted with their 2024 first-round pick for the draft rights to acquire him and clearly has a strong belief he could be a foundational piece.

The glowing comments are surely a good sign for Anderson coming from a player of Watt’s caliber and pedigree in the NFL. Anderson, the top defender in the draft, garnered much attention after a 17.5 sack season in 2021 and he’ll now have a tall task to replace Watt as the next franchise edge rusher for Houston.

Burke helping Watt finish his NFL career on a high note as the Arizona Cardinals’ defensive line coach in 2022. Watt’s final season produced 12.5 sacks and 18 tackles for loss. It should be interesting to see how both Burke and even Watt himself are able to help Anderson with the transition from Alabama to the pros.

Nobody knows how the Texans or how Anderson himself will perform during their debut seasons under Ryans, but having Watt around the Texans adds more positivity to a trending upward situation.

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J.J. Watt to be inducted into Houston Texans Ring of Honor

The Houston Texans have announced their plans to induct former DE J.J. Watt into the franchise’s Ring of Honor.

The Houston Texans don’t take long to enshrine their legends inside NRG Stadium.

The franchise announced Monday their plans to induct former defensive end J.J. Watt into the club’s Ring of Honor.

The induction will be a family affair as the Texans will do so in Week 4 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Watt’s younger brother, T.J. Watt, plays outside linebacker for the Steelers.

Watt will be joining former receiver Andre Johnson and late founder Bob McNair in the Ring of Honor.

The former 2011 first-round pick from Wisconsin collected a record-tying three NFL Defensive Player of the Year awards while in Houston through the 2020 season. Watt also had 101.0 sacks with the Texans, which were the most from 2011-20, along with a record-setting 172 tackles for loss.

Watt’s greatest contribution to the city of Houston was in the wake of Hurricane Harvey in August 2017 when he raised more than $41 million to support those impacted. Watt’s efforts earned him the 2017 Walter Payton Man of the Year.

The Wisconsin alumnus has been active with his Justin J. Watt Foundation, which he started as a junior in 2010. Watt uses the foundation to help underserved kids across the country.

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