Tag: J.J. Watt

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 is prepared for DeMeco Ryans to call for an NFL return if the Texans really need him

J.J. Watt has unfinished business in the NFL.

J.J. Watt knows the score. While an overwhelming majority of younger NFL legends are probably unlikely to walk their retirements back (Aaron Donald, cough, cough), Watt certainly fits the bill of someone who could suit up again in the right situation.

Enter DeMeco Ryans, one of Watt’s old teammates and close NFL friends, as he coaches the rising Houston Texans.

At a charity softball game on Saturday, Watt revealed he had previously told Ryans’ that if the head coach came calling from a place of real desperation, he’d make his NFL return. However, the former three-time Defensive Player of the Year maintained that this offer will only last for another year because it’s so taxing to try and keep his body in good enough condition to play in the NFL.

Here’s Watt’s quote about coming back to play for the Texans in full:

“I’ve had 12 great years in this league and I’m very thankful to have walked away healthy and 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.’ And he [Ryans] 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, but he knows that if he ever truly does need it, I’ll be there for him. I don’t anticipate that happening. They’ve got a very good group.”

After everything he’s been through, it remains highly unlikely that the 35-year-old Watt would come back to the league. In fact, he seems to only really be considering it because his friend now coaches the team where Watt made most of his NFL legacy. Well, that and the Texans appear to be a prime Super Bowl contender — something Watt unfortunately never won during his career.

Imagine Watt coming off the defensive edge for Ryans’ Texans while CJ Stroud launches dimes on offense. At the very least, it’s a super cool thought.

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.”

‘Top tier destination’: Texans legend J.J. Watt is a fan of Stefon Diggs trade

J.J. Watt has been pleased with the future of the Houston Texans over the past two offseasons.

J.J. Watt served as the final piece of the turning of times at NRG Stadium when the Houston Texans selected him 11th overall in 2011. Prior to his arrival, Houston had only one winning season.

Perhaps the arrival of Offensive Rookie of the Year and wunderkind C.J. Stroud sends a second wind through the franchise that ends with a Lombardi Trophy. Regardless, Watt is excited to see what unfolds in the Texans’ future.

The three-time Defensive Player of the Year took to Twitter on Wednesday following the Stefon Diggs trade, praising the AFC South franchise for its two-year turnaround. Last season, Houston added Stroud, along with Defensive Rookie of the Year Will Anderson Jr. and former Pro Bowl linebacker DeMeco Ryans as head coach.

A year later, the Texans added Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon, Diggs and four-time Pro Bowl defensive end Danielle Hunter.

The Texans were looking to build off their first double-digit win season in four years and saw the opportunity to splurge with Stroud still on his rookie contract. After failing to sign a premier running back at the start of free agency, general manager Nick Caserio traded a seventh-round pick to the Cincinnati Bengals for Mixon.

Mixon, who will turn 28 in July, is coming off another 1,000-yard rushing season and has shown no signs of slowing down. The Texans believe his best years are still ahead and plan to use him as their bell-cow back after agreeing to terms on a three-year extension worth $27 million.

“I’m not thinking about a drop-off,” Ryans said of Mixon at the owners meetings last week. “I’m thinking about the positives and the things that [he’s] done in his career. He’s been consistent throughout his entire career — a guy who can move the chains for you, a guy who can open up the passing game with his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. He just opens up the things that we can do offensively.”

Defensively, the addition of Hunter should be considered an upgrade — on paper at least — over the departed Jonathan Greenard. He’s coming off a career-high 16.5-sack season with the Minnesota Vikings and led the league with 23 tackles for loss.

Signed to a two-year deal worth up to $51 million, Hunter looks to become the first Texans player since Watt to record back-to-back double-digit sack campaigns on Houston’s defense. He also will serve as a teacher and confidant for Anderson, who broke Watt’s rookie sack record this past fall.

“He’s exciting,” Hunter said of Anderson during his introductory press conference last month. “Has a lot of tools. I was with him earlier, and he just can’t stop jumping, how eager he is to go out there and rush the passer together. Very good kid. I’m excited just to be able to go out there and teach him a lot of things that I know and become a better player.

One of the greatest defensive linemen of the 2000s, Watt guided Houston to five playoff appearances in 10 years. On top of winning three Defensive Player of the Year awards, Watt also recorded 101 of his 113 career sacks as a member of the AFC South franchise.

Watt was the second player added to Houston’s Ring of Honor this offseason, joining Hall of Fame wide receiver Andre Johnson. He’ll join Johnson in Canton, Ohio, when eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2028.

J.J. Watt sees both sides of Steelers trading QB Kenny Pickett

J.J. Watt understands why Pickett wanted to be traded but he also gets it why the Steelers signed Russell Wilson.

It came as a huge surprise when the Pittsburgh Steelers traded quarterback Kenny Pickett to the Philadelphia Eagles just days after news came out that the Steelers were signing Russell Wilson and it was rumored there would be a quarterback competition.

However, it came out after that Pickett was the one who initiated the trade and was hoping to land somewhere with an opportunity to start but frankly, his situation now is much worse behind Jalen Hurts.

Former NFL star J.J. Watt was on the Pat McAfee Show and talked about the Pickett situation. He offered an interesting perspective about it and noted he could see both sides of it.

“I’m sure he is frustrated. I’m sure he feels like he never got the full proper opportunity to show his potential and develop, which is a thing that’s happening in this league. We are not giving guys time to develop, grow and fight through adversity and come out the other side, because it’s such a win-now world that we live in. So, I don’t blame him at all for wanting an opportunity to compete somewhere or go somewhere and try something new. When you bring in a guy and say he’s automatically the starter and you don’t even get a chance, I get it. I completely understand his side. But at the same time, I don’t blame the Steelers at all. When an opportunity presents itself like that, a minimum contract for a guy that’s won a Super Bowl, you’ve got to take it.”

Watt has a vested interest in the Steelers with little brother T.J. the biggest star on defense. Regardless of what he says about Pickett, he knows his little brother is the best defensive player in the league but has never won a playoff game and he wants that to end this season. Wilson gives the Steelers a much better chance to break that losing streak.

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WATCH: Nick Foles, Jalen Hurts among those congratulating Jason Kelce on retirement

Jalen Hurts, Nick Foles, Charles Barkley, Shaq, Jim Thome, and Joel Embiid were among those who congratulated Jason Kelce on retirement

Jason Kelce ended his 13-year NFL career on Monday, announcing his retirement in an emotional press conference that featured friends, family, and teammates.

The New Heights Podcast’s social media team released an emotional tribute video with Jalen Hurts and Nick Foles, among almost 20 video messages to Kelce to celebrate the moment and his accomplishments.

A sixth-round draft pick out of the University of Cincinnati in 2011, Kelce started and played in 193 games over his 13 seasons.

Jason Kelce is the fifth center in NFL history with at least six All-Pro selections. The other four — Jim Otto, Bulldog Turner, Dermotti Dawson, and Jim Ringo — are all in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

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J.J. Watt’s spiky Super Bowl 58 hairdo turned into a hysterical meme

J.J. Watt’s hairdo turned into one of the best Super Bowl 58 memes.

Former NFL defensive end-turned-CBS Sports NFL analyst J.J. Watt rocked a spiky hairdo at Super Bowl 58, and you can bet the internet turned it into a meme.

Watt’s spiky hair reminded everyone of those ’90s boy band looks, and it was hard to miss how his hair was styled up whenever he was on CBS talking about the big game between the San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs.

Seriously, this turned into the meme that kept on giving, as you could pinpoint plenty of things that Watt’s look reminded you of when you saw it.

The Super Bowl is a great time for jokes, and we’ve got some good ones here, like this one. We respect the look, J.J. Watt!

As we figured he would, Watt had a really great sense of humor about his brand-new hairdo.

NFL fans came up with plenty of great jokes about Watt’s bold hairdo, one we really hope he adopts as his permanent look from here on out.

Former star DE J.J. Watt calls Bengals’ Trey Hendrickson underrated

Huge praise for Trey Hendrickson from J.J. Watt.

Cincinnati Bengals edge rusher Trey Hendrickson had a very good season, and he was noticed by former NFL defensive end J.J. Watt, who still talks to his former Houston Texans teammate and current Bengal DJ Reader.

“I talk to him about all those guys all the time,” J.J. Watt said, according to Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com. “(Sam) Hubbard and Trey. They’ve got a really good squad down there.”

Hendrickson finished just behind Watt’s younger brother, T.J. Watt in sacks this season, getting 17.5 while Watt had 19 for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Hobson said Watt smiled as he talked about Hendrickson.

“Doesn’t always wear gloves, right? Goes barehanded. Among football guys, that’s like, ‘OK. Doesn’t wear gloves. That’s a little out there.'”

“But you respect it because it means you play the game a certain way and I think he embodies that … He’s a great player. An underrated player. He doesn’t get as much credit as he probably should, but he had a great year … He’s got some great moves and he’s also got power.”

Praise from someone of J.J. Watt’s caliber is nothing to scoff at, so for Hendrickson to be recognized by him is a high compliment.

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J.J. Watt considered unretiring to join the Texans

Texans great J.J. Watt admitted he considered a return to the NFL to play for his old team last season.

It was speculated all season.

Ever since the Houston Texans started to win games under new head coach DeMeco Ryans and rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud started to prove himself as one of the league’s premier players there was an overarching question that couldn’t be helped as a former Texans legend sang his praise of the new team.

Was there any chance J.J. Watt would unretire and play for Ryans?

Watt was openly working out at the facility and would admit as much when he talked about Houston’s success weekly on the Pat McAfee show. Houston had a dire need for a third pass rusher, one they eventually found in Derek Barnett, and the fit seemed logical once the Texans were playoff bound.

It turns out, fans weren’t too far off from their hopes according to Watt himself on the Pat McAfee show this week.

“Halfway through this last season, I definitely was monitoring the Steelers and Texans situations but it never escalated into any sort of actual potential,” Watt said.

He added: “I’m very pleased with the way things went. If it was something where I could have brought something that propelled someone to a potential Super Bowl, fill in a need to take them to a new level. Just to do it would have been ridiculous.”

It sounds like Watt would have only truly considered it if he could have played with his brothers or if the Texans had been clear Super Bowl contender rather than a plucky underdog in the playoffs.

Still, it’s interesting to hear the future Hall of Famer and future Texans Ring of Honor player admit that it was under consideration during the year.

Houston will have to find other ways to boost their pass rush moving forward. Breakout player Jonathan Greenard is an unrestricted free agent as well as midseason addition Derek Barnett. Their ability to pair another player with young star Will Anderson will be one to monitor as Ryans looks to assemble a Super Bowl-caliber defense.