Tag: J.J. Watt

Chris Harris says Broncos DL Zach Allen looks like J.J. Watt this season

“He looks kind of like J.J. Watt sometimes,” Chris Harris said of Broncos defensive lineman Zach Allen.

From 2011 to 2015, JJ Watt was the most dominant defensive player in the NFL, totaling 75.5 sacks in five years. Although the back half of his career was a mixture of injuries and bounce-back seasons, Watt made his name known.

So, if a player ever gets a comparison to Watt, it’s a prestigious honor. That’s what former Denver Broncos cornerback and Super Bowl 50 champion Chris Harris recently bestowed upon defensive lineman Zach Allen. 

Appearing on the Up & Adams Show with Kay Adams, Harris praised the Denver defensive lineman and compared him to Watt, Allen’s former teammate with the Arizona Cardinals. 

Allen has four sacks and 19 total tackles so far. He also has 9.5 run stuffs and a Pro Football Focus grade of 61.5. All-Pro recognition and a Pro Bowl nod will await if he continues this pace.

Allen and his Broncos teammates have rested up following their win against the New Orleans Saints this past Thursday and the team will now prepare to face the Carolina Panthers on Oct. 27.

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Texans legend praises Patriots rookie Drake Maye following NFL debut

J. J. Watt shared his thoughts on Drake Maye’s NFL debut

Houston Texans legend J.J. Watt praised New England Patriots rookie quarterback Drake Maye following his debut against Watt’s former team on Sunday.

Maye got into the action quickly, throwing for 243 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions. The quarterback’s performance was notable, given that the Texans’ defense ranks third in the league with only 277 total yards allowed per game.

Maye certainly made a strong impression with his three touchdown passes being more than the Patriots threw all season combined.

“If I’m a Patriots fan and I’m watching today’s game, yes, you lost and you gave up a bunch of points,” Watt said on CBS’ “NFL Today.” “But I am encouraged by the way Drake Maye played. I am definitely encouraged going forward that he is a guy that I can get excited about.”

Maye’s strong arm and athleticism were on full display throughout the entire game. If nothing else, he gave the offense the much-needed spark it didn’t have in the first five games.

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Former NFL standout J.J. Watt comments on Falcons’ TNF uniforms

Former NFL superstar J.J. Watt calls on the Falcons to make their throwback uniforms permanent

The Atlanta Falcons‘ throwback uniforms for Thursday Night Football have former NFL defensive standout J.J. Watt’s vote of approval.

“These Falcons uniforms are a masterpiece,” Watt posted on Twitter. “Just make them full time, c’mon man.”

This isn’t the first time Watt has called for the Falcons to make their throwback uniforms an everyday deal, either. Falcons fans have long wanted the team to make the classic red-helmet look permanent.

There’s a lot of love for Atlantas’ current uniforms, but it’s safe to say no one would be upset if they made a switch here. The Falcons have now won two straight division games wearing their throwbacks.

In Week 4, they defeated the New Orleans Saints with a walk-off field goal before topping the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a walk-off touchdown in Week 5.

The next time the Falcons wear their red-helmet throwbacks is on December 22, when they face the New York Giants at 1 p.m. ET in Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

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WATCH: Former Wisconsin linebacker legends, brothers exchange words before Week 3

WATCH: Former Wisconsin linebacker legends, brothers exchange words before Week 3

Former Wisconsin linebacker legends J.J. and T.J. Watt caught up on the CBS pregame show before the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Week 3 win vs. the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday.

Watt, who entered the contest with seven total tackles, four solo tackles, four tackles for loss, two sacks, one pass deflection, one fumble recovery and five QB hits, recorded three total tackles and one sack against Jim Harbaugh’s team on Sunday afternoon.

Now a member of CBS’ NFL pregame panel, J.J. commentates alongside Matt Ryan, Nate Burleson, Bill Cowher and James Brown. Watt’s first question to his younger brother revolved around the build-up to an NFL game. Here’s what T.J. said:

“[Nick Herbig] just took over the aux from Cam Heyward, so hopefully he puts on some good tunes,” Watt said jokingly. “Just trying to get in the right head space and trying to visualize a bit. All the hard work is done, and it’s all about going out and performing now.”

The elder Watt also gifted T.J. with a custom No. 90 “dad” jersey in anticipation of the birth of his first child

Here’s the full pregame interview:

Watt now has 10 total tackles, seven solo tackles, four tackles for loss, three sacks, one pass deflection, one fumble recovery and five QB hits on the season. If he continues this pace, he will pocket his second career Defensive Player of the Year Award.

Pittsburgh continues its season against the Indianapolis Colts on Sept. 29.

CBS’s NFL studio show had a classy message for former colleagues Boomer Esiason and Phil Simms

What a classy move by CBS’s NFL studio show.

In the hard-nosed world of NFL media, there’s a lot more churn and turnover than you think. This sentiment even applies to the established former professionals who actually played the game at its highest level.

In advance of the 2024 NFL season, CBS restructured its lead studio show, The NFL Today, to include former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan and former Houston Texans pass-rusher J.J. Watt. That meant the network said goodbye to long-time panelists and NFL legends Boomer Esiason and Phil Simms, whose respective contracts weren’t renewed.

Before taking a break, host James Brown made sure to acknowledge all the success the show has had by properly shouting out Esiason and Simms’ roles. Naturally, the entire panel agreed that they “missed them” in a classy moment:

 

It’s a cold world out there. But if you’re Esiason and Simms, it’s probably nice knowing your old friends still appreciate you even if you don’t work for them anymore.

J.J. Watt believes Texans are equipped for contender expectations

The Houston Texans hype is as big as its ever been but former player J.J. Watt believes C.J. Stroud and DeMeco Ryans can handle expectations

Expectations are high in Houston as the NFL season begins on Sunday in Indianapolis for the reigning AFC South champions. The Texans finished a surprising 10-7 en route to the team’s first playoff appearance since 2019.

DeMeco Ryans’ head coaching debut was a smashing success. His team, led by rookies C.J. Stroud and Will Anderson Jr., captured a wild-card round win over the Cleveland Browns before falling to the top-seeded Baltimore Ravens a week later.

Given the rapid ascension, Houston became one of the top teams discussed in the offseason, with moves such as signing Danielle Hunter and Azeez Al-Shaair and trading for Joe Mixon and Stefon Diggs feeding the media flames.

Every year, there is that one team that receives the extent of offseason hype. In 2022, the Jacksonville Jaguars won six of their final seven games to reach the playoffs, where they came back from down to 27 to beat the Los Angeles Chargers.

Jacksonville elevated from the 27th-best Super Bowl odds in 2022 (+13000) to 12th (+2800) entering 2023. However, the Jaguars sputtered down the stretch, losing five of their last six to miss the postseason.

While quarterback Trevor Lawrence’s ankle injury may have had more effect than the Jaguars increased expectations, the latter can be damaging to teams ill-equipped to handle them.

It’s not something Texans legend J.J. Watt is worried about regarding Houston’s current coach and quarterback combination.

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“I think C.J. and DeMeco, the demeanor that they have, the way they attack each day and the way that they lead that team, nobody’s better to handle this type of hype and expectation than those guys,” Watt said while appearing on the Pat McAfee Show.

The three-time Defensive Player of the Year played alongside Ryans as a rookie in 2011, witnessing how the two-time Pro Bowl linebacker led a Houston team with legitimate playoff aspirations for the first time in franchise history.

Houston’s 2024 team has even higher expectations after Stroud’s historic rookie season. He became the third quarterback to lead the league in passing yards per game and touchdown-to-interception ratio, joining Tom Brady and Joe Montana.

The Texans acquired Diggs from the Buffalo Bills in a trade centered around the former All-Pro and a second-round pick in 2025 that Houston sent in exchange to form one of the league’s top receiving trios.

Diggs joins Nico Collins, who had a breakout third season that he parlayed into a three-year, $72.75 million contract extension, and Tank Dell, who was on pace to shatter the Texans rookie receiving records before suffering a season-ending leg injury in Week 13 against the Denver Broncos.

“You got to spread it amongst these incredible playmakers on the offensive side of the ball, and it’s going to give defensive coordinators nightmares,” Watt added.

The added talent has everyone thinking more is in store for Stroud in year two, who currently has the second-highest MVP odds at +800 on DraftKings Sportsbook, only behind Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

As a team, the Texans’ Super Bowl odds similarly skyrocketed to +1600, tied for seventh with the Buffalo Bills, from +25000 a year ago. It’s the third-biggest odds move in one year in the Super Bowl era.

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Only time will tell if the Texans can reach the heights the outsiders have placed on them, yet in the mind of the franchise’s greatest player, expectations won’t be the reason they don’t find success.

Tyrann Mathieu calls Taysom Hill one of the best football players he’s shared the field with

Tyrann Mathieu calls Taysom Hill one of the best football players he’s shared the field with. It’s tough to find a stronger endorsement than this one:

It’s tough to find a stronger endorsement than this one. Tyrann Mathieu called Taysom Hill one of the best football players he’s shared the field with, and he would know — before he joined the New Orleans Saints, Mathieu was teammates with future Hall of Famers like Patrick Mahomes, J.J. Watt, and Patrick Peterson.

That’s not to say Hill is a lock to join them in Canton someday (he’s already been recognized with a display at the Pro Football Hall of Fame, which feels appropriate). To Mathieu’s point, he’s just an all-around great football player. There aren’t many guys in the history of the game who have found success as a passer, receiver, runner, blocker, and tackler on special teams. ‘

Hill has done it all and largely done it well. There’s a reason he has so many fans among those who know ball. Whether it’s current teammates like Mathieu and Derek Carr or respected coaches like Jim Mora and Sean Payton, he’s earned a lot of supporters over the years.

He’ll play in his 100th game for the Saints this season (Hill is currently at 97 regular season games), as will Demario Davis (98) and likely Marshon Lattimore (90). That’s a feat just 63 players have achieved in team history. As Mathieu observed, Saints fans are fortunate to be able to cheer for No. 7, and he’ll be right there with them.

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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.

Two Wisconsin icons, NFL brothers unite at Pittsburgh Steelers’ practice

Badgers linebacker legend J.J. Watt visited his younger brother and Badger great T.J. Watt at Pittsburgh Steelers practice this week.

Former Wisconsin linebacker legend J.J. Watt visited his younger brother and Badger great T.J. Watt at a Pittsburgh Steelers practice this week.

J.J., who retired at the conclusion of the 2022 NFL season, took time out of an offseason as a minority investor in England’s Burnley Football Club to visit another dominant NFL force ahead of his 2024 slate.

T.J.’s Steelers continue to prepare for their final preseason contest against the Detroit Lions, scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 24.

During J.J.’s NFL tenure with the Houston Texans and Arizona Cardinals, the Pewaukee, Wisconsin, native earned Pro Bowl appearances, five first-team All-Pro honors and three Defensive Player of the Year awards.

From 2008-10 at Wisconsin, Watt pocketed a Lott IMPACT Trophy, was named team MVP and reeled in consensus first-team All-Big Ten team member at defensive end. As a senior, Watt also captained the Badgers in TFLs, sacks, quarterback hurries, forced fumbles and blocked kicks.

T.J., who enters the 2024 season ranked No. 8 on the NFL 100 list, boasts quite the professional resume as well. He owns six Pro Bowl appearances, four first-team All-Pro nods, 96 1/2 sacks and 107 tackles for loss in his first seven campaigns with Pittsburgh.

Like his brother, he also holds a Defensive Player of the Year (2021) honor. He finished as runner-up in 2020 and 2023 as well.

Outside of their talent on the gridiron, the Watt brothers’ relationship appears to be complete with respect, love and admiration. Coincidentally, they are, unquestionably, the greatest brother duo to step foot on Camp Randall’s hallowed turf.

Texans’ DeMeco Ryans breaks down realities of a potential J.J. Watt return

While a J.J. Watt reunion is wanted by Houston Texans fans, it also seems unlikely barring a last-second change of heart from the defensive end.

When Dencio Autry was slapped with a six-game suspension for PED usage earlier this offseason, most Houston Texans had the same thought on how to replace the veteran defensive lineman.

Re-sign J.J. Watt.

That’s been the talk of the offseason since Watt told reporters that he’d consider reuniting with the reigning AFC South champions if “it was only necessary.”

Texans coach DeMeco Ryans reiterated on the late episode of ‘Up & Adams’ that the door would always be open for Watt to strap it up one more time, but reminded fans that the Watt who once trained during the summer for Sundays in the fall might no longer possess the same relentless motor.

“J.J.’s been out now for what, two years? When you stop playing football for two years, it’s hard to come back,” Ryans said. “It’s always open for JJ. I’m never closing that door.”

Watt, a three-time Defensive Player of the Year and Houston’s all-time leader in sacks, retired after a 12.5-sack season in 2022 with the Arizona Cardinals. He’s set to begin a new venture in the broadcast booth as part of the morning crew on CBS.

But fans have begged for a “one final rodeo” off NRG Drive with arguably the franchise’s top star. Maybe it could happen if Houston runs out of options, but Watt hasn’t played a down in over a year and might more so provide high value in a leadership aspect.

Even with Autry’s suspension, the Texans remain a favorite in the AFC after a booming offseason. They signed top free agents in linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair and defensive end Danielle Hunter. They traded for Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon and two-time All-Pro receiver Stefon Diggs to better their offensive personnel.

Houston remains a top-level roster with its firepower and star talent. It should be fine without Autry or a Watt reunion en route to clinching another AFC South division title, though Ryans will let the former defensive end decide if he wants to come back for one final run to a Lombardi Trophy.