HOUSTON, TX -- Former NFL defensive end J.J. Watt has expressed his willingness to potentially return to the Houston Texans if the team finds itself in dire straits. However, he made it clear that this will be the last year he extends such an offer. The three-time Defensive Player of the Year retired after the 2022 season but hinted at his availability during his annual charity softball game in Houston.

Grateful for his illustrious 12-year career, Watt revealed that he had a conversation with DeMeco Ryans, the current head coach of the Texans, regarding his availability. He assured Ryans that if the team absolutely needed him, he would be there. However, he emphasized that this would be the final year he makes such a commitment.

Watt and Ryans were teammates during Watt's rookie season in 2011, which happened to be Ryans' last year with the Texans. After Ryans took over as head coach last year, he led the team to the AFC South division title and a wild-card victory.

While expressing his hopes for the Texans' continued success, Watt also shared his desire to enjoy watching the team from the comfort of his couch. The Texans have made significant moves to bolster their pass rush, signing players like Danielle Hunter and Denico Autry. Additionally, they have Will Anderson Jr., the third overall pick in the previous year's draft, in their ranks.

During his tenure with the Texans, Watt earned numerous accolades, including the coveted Defensive Rookie of the Year award and three Defensive Player of the Year titles. He amassed an impressive 114.5 sacks throughout his career, solidifying his status as one of the most dominant defensive players in the league.

Currently serving as an NFL analyst for CBS Sports, Watt has also ventured into the world of soccer as a minority owner of English club Burnley FC, alongside his wife, Kealia.

In his own words, Watt stated, "I told DeMeco [Ryans] last year: 'Don't call unless you absolutely need it, but, if you ever do call, I'll be there.' And he 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."

Watt further added, "He knows if he ever truly does need it, I'll be there for him. 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."

As the 2023 NFL season approaches, Texans fans may hold onto a glimmer of hope that their beloved former player could come to their aid in times of desperation. However, with Watt's retirement plans in motion and his focus shifting towards his broadcasting career, it remains to be seen if circumstances will ever necessitate his return to the gridiron.

HOUSTON, TX -- Former NFL defensive end J.J. Watt has expressed his willingness to potentially return to the Houston Texans if the team finds itself in dire straits. However, he made it clear that this will be the last year he extends such an offer. The three-time Defensive Player of the Year retired after the 2022 season but hinted at his availability during his annual charity softball game in Houston.

Grateful for his illustrious 12-year career, Watt revealed that he had a conversation with DeMeco Ryans, the current head coach of the Texans, regarding his availability. He assured Ryans that if the team absolutely needed him, he would be there. However, he emphasized that this would be the final year he makes such a commitment.

Watt and Ryans were teammates during Watt's rookie season in 2011, which happened to be Ryans' last year with the Texans. After Ryans took over as head coach last year, he led the team to the AFC South division title and a wild-card victory.

While expressing his hopes for the Texans' continued success, Watt also shared his desire to enjoy watching the team from the comfort of his couch. The Texans have made significant moves to bolster their pass rush, signing players like Danielle Hunter and Denico Autry. Additionally, they have Will Anderson Jr., the third overall pick in the previous year's draft, in their ranks.

During his tenure with the Texans, Watt earned numerous accolades, including the coveted Defensive Rookie of the Year award and three Defensive Player of the Year titles. He amassed an impressive 114.5 sacks throughout his career, solidifying his status as one of the most dominant defensive players in the league.

Currently serving as an NFL analyst for CBS Sports, Watt has also ventured into the world of soccer as a minority owner of English club Burnley FC, alongside his wife, Kealia.

In his own words, Watt stated, "I told DeMeco [Ryans] last year: 'Don't call unless you absolutely need it, but, if you ever do call, I'll be there.' And he 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."

Watt further added, "He knows if he ever truly does need it, I'll be there for him. 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."

As the 2023 NFL season approaches, Texans fans may hold onto a glimmer of hope that their beloved former player could come to their aid in times of desperation. However, with Watt's retirement plans in motion and his focus shifting towards his broadcasting career, it remains to be seen if circumstances will ever necessitate his return to the gridiron.