Is JJ Watt Coming Back to the NFL? Will JJ Watt Play for the Texans Again?
by S Samayanka
Updated Nov 23, 2023
Is JJ Watt Coming Back to the NFL?
It is not known if J.J. Watt is coming back to the NFL. With the recent news, McAfee was quick to question JJ Watt, “When are you signing with the Texans?” to which he said, “I’ve been working out at the stadium all week with the Texans.” Adding further, he commented, “I’m going over there right after this to work with some of the young guys and I love being around the guys.”
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Who is JJ Watt?
J.J. Watt, born on March 22, 1989, is a retired American football defensive end renowned for his exceptional career in the National Football League (NFL). Spending the majority of his 12-season career with the Houston Texans, Watt played college football at Central Michigan and Wisconsin before being selected by the Texans in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft.
Widely considered one of the greatest defensive linemen in NFL history, Watt received the AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award three times in his initial five seasons. Not confined to his defensive role, he occasionally shifted positions and even contributed on offense, catching three touchdown passes in the 2014 season. After retiring in 2023, Watt transitioned to a role as a studio analyst on The NFL Today.
Jersey No.
99
Position
Defensive End
Born
March 22, 1989
Age
34 Years
Birthplace
Pewaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.
Height
6 ft 5 in (196 cm)
Weight
288 lb (131 kg)
Name
J.J. Watt
JJ Watt Early Life
J.J. Watt, born in Pewaukee, Wisconsin had a diverse and active early life. His parents, Connie and John, instilled a love for sports in him. Watt's younger brothers, Derek and T.J., also became NFL players. Early on, Watt was involved in ice hockey, playing for competitive teams in Canada and Germany until conflicts with his schedule led him to give it up at age 13. Football, however, became his passion in fifth grade.
He attended Pewaukee High School, where he excelled in various sports, earning recognition in football, basketball, baseball, and track and field. Watt's senior year was particularly noteworthy, earning him multiple awards in football and shot put. Despite being a two-star recruit, Watt chose to play at Central Michigan University under coach Butch Jones. This early journey laid the foundation for the remarkable football career that followed.
JJ Watt Career
J.J. Watt's illustrious football career spans from his college days to his retirement in 2022. Beginning at Central Michigan University, Watt initially played as a tight end but transitioned to defensive end at the University of Wisconsin, showcasing his versatility. His college achievements include earning the Ronnie Lott Trophy, All-American honors, and becoming the Wisconsin Scout Team Player of the Year.
Watt entered the NFL in 2011 as the Houston Texans' 11th overall pick. His rookie season set the tone, recording 5.5 sacks and helping the Texans reach the playoffs for the first time. Subsequent seasons saw Watt ascend to unparalleled defensive prowess, with notable achievements like the 2012 AFC Defensive Player of the Month, multiple Pro Bowl selections, and three NFL Defensive Player of the Year awards.
Despite injury setbacks in 2016 and 2017, Watt's resilience shone through. His 2018 season, with 16 sacks, marked a remarkable comeback, solidifying his place among the NFL elite. Watt continued to excel with the Houston Texans until 2020, reaching his 100th career sack and contributing significantly in various defensive categories. In 2021, he joined the Arizona Cardinals, further displaying his prowess despite season-ending shoulder surgery.
Watt's impact transcends statistics; his philanthropy, especially his efforts after Hurricane Harvey, and numerous accolades, including induction into the Houston Texans Ring of Honor, underscore his legacy as not just a defensive powerhouse but a resilient and impactful figure in the world of football.
Will JJ Watt Play for the Texans Again?
The likelihood of J.J. Watt returning to play for the Texans seems low. According to Drew Dougherty, the Texans TV Host, Watt has explicitly rejected the notion of a comeback, emphasizing his current lack of fitness for NFL play. Watt is presently savoring a fulfilling life, dedicating time to family, participating in CBS television projects, and managing diverse business ventures.
Dougherty expresses skepticism about Watt's return but acknowledges that if anyone could make a significant comeback, it would be Watt. However, based on Watt's own statements and his current commitments, it appears that returning to professional football, especially with the Texans, is not in the cards. The focus seems to be on his post-NFL pursuits and enjoying a different chapter of life, leaving the prospect of Watt donning a Texans jersey again uncertain.
JJ Watt Net Worth
As of 2023, JJ Watt boasts an estimated net worth of $54 million, reflecting his lucrative career in the National Football League (NFL). Notably, in 2014, Watt secured a groundbreaking six-year contract with the Houston Texans, amounting to $100 million. This deal, marking him as the NFL's highest-paid non-quarterback at the time, included a substantial signing bonus of $10 million, with approximately 50% of the contract guaranteed.
Furthermore, his earlier contract with the Texans in 2011, following his selection as the first defensive end in the first round, was a four-year deal worth around $11 million. The financial success continued when Watt inked a two-year agreement with the Arizona Cardinals on March 1, 2021, valued at $31 million, with $23 million guaranteed, emphasizing his enduring impact on and off the football field.
Is JJ Watt Coming Back to the NFL - FAQs
No, Watt has dismissed the idea of returning, citing his current state of being out of shape for NFL football.
Watt is enjoying life, spending time with family, working on CBS television projects, and managing various business interests.
Dougherty mentions Watt's explicit rejection of a comeback, emphasizing his current lack of fitness for NFL play.
Watt is considered one of the greatest defensive linemen, winning the AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award three times and earning multiple Pro Bowl selections.
The likelihood seems low. While not entirely ruled out, Watt's current focus on post-NFL pursuits and uncertainties regarding fitness make a return to the Texans uncertain.