DeMeco Ryans and J.J. Watt (Photos via Getty Images)

Houston Texans head coach Demeco Ryans has reacted to former teammate J.J. Watt opening the door for a potential return to the team.

Watt, who retired from football after the 2022 season, revealed he would come out of retirement if the Texans needed him too, though the offer won’t be on the table past the end of next season.

“I told DeMeco last year, ‘Don’t call unless you absolutely need it. But if you ever do call, I’ll be there,’” Watt said at his annual charity softball game in Houston, Texas, this past weekend (via ESPN). “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.”

Ryans was asked about Watt’s comments on Monday and said he’s ready to bring the former defensive end back anytime.

“I need him now. I need to make that call right now,” he said with a laugh in a video shared by radio host Sean Pendergast. “Any time J.J. Watt is ready to go, I’m ready to go.”

J.J. Watt Is A Houston Texans Legend

Watt spent 10 incredible seasons with the Texans before moving to the Arizona Cardinals, where he played for two years before retiring at the end of 2022. The 35-year-old made 12.5 sacks in his final season and would likely have most teams jumping at the chance to sign him should he decide to unretire.

While he’s likely prompted some excitement within the Texans fan base, a return seems like a long shot for now. Still, you just never know.