JJ Watt (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
Former star defensive end JJ Watt has revealed that he hasn’t completely shut the door on an NFL return but would only come back for one team.

Watt is one of the most iconic players in Houston Texans history and has let them know he would play for them if they absolutely needed him.

The 35-year-old retired at the end of the 2022 season. He remains open to returning to play for DeMeco Ryans, though his offer will only remain valid for one year.

“I’m a very fortunate, lucky man, I have a beautiful wife, I have a beautiful son. I’ve had 12 great years in this league and I’m very thankful to have walked away healthy and playing great,” he told reporters at his annual charity softball game in Houston on Saturday, per ESPN.

“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 and Ryans played together for the Texans in 2011, with Watt playing his first season and Ryans playing his last.

The latter was appointed as Houston’s head coach last year and had an excellent season in charge of the team as he led them to a 10-7 record. The Texans also clinched the AFC South division title and won a playoff game, beating the Cleveland Browns in the Wild Card Round.

The Texans Are Stacked, But JJ Watt Is Still An Option

The team strengthened their pass-rushing corps this year by signing Daniele Hunter and Denico Autry. Will Anderson Jr. is also around, having made seven sacks in his rookie season after being selected as the No. 3 overall pick in 2023.

But should they require any more reinforcement, Watt will make himself available.

“He knows he ever truly does need it, I’ll be there for him,” he added. “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.”

The five-time first-team All-Pro and three-time Defensive Player of the Year played 10 seasons with the Texans and finished his career with 114.5 sacks.

He currently works as an NFL analyst for CBS Sports, also having purchased a minority stake in English Premier League side Burnley FC along with his wife last year.