J.J. Watt plans to remain retired in 2024 and beyond, but he isn't completely ruling out one final ride with his long-time team.
On Saturday, Watt was asked about a potential return to the NFL at his annual charity softball game in Houston. He explained that it would take one very specific scenario for him to return to the field.
"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," Watt told reporters. "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," Watt added, "because I'm not going to keep training [the way] I've been training."
JJ Watt (@JJWatt) says he’s willing and available to play for the Texans if they need him.
— Will Kunkel (@WillKunkelFOX) May 4, 2024
🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼 pic.twitter.com/jcQk9HjRJy
Watt spent the first 10 years of his career with the Texans before playing his final two seasons with the Cardinals. He racked up 101 in 128 career games in Houston and established himself as a presence in the community, particularly with his charitable efforts following Hurricane Harvey.
NFL POWER RANKINGS: Where Texans rank among NFL's top contenders
The Texans made the playoffs last season and earned a wild-card-round win in C.J. Stroud's first season as a starting quarterback. They figure to make strides in 2024 after acquiring Stefon Diggs and will be among the favorites to emerge from the AFC as Super Bowl contenders.
Adding Watt — who ranks 34th all-time in sacks with 114.5 — to the defensive line rotation could aid Houston in those efforts. But as Watt clarified, he will only consider a return late in the season as an emergency option if injuries strike.
"He knows he ever truly does need it, I'll be there for him," Watt said. "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."
So, as fun as it may be to see Watt return to the Texans for one last ride and a potential shot at his first Super Bowl appearance, it doesn't seem likely to happen.
MORE: J.J. Watt, NFL players sound off on NFL's hip-drop tackle ban
When did J.J. Watt retire?
Watt retired at the end of the 2022 NFL season. He played his final game with the Cardinals on Jan. 8, 2023. He recorded two sacks in that game, a 38-13 loss to the 49ers.
Watt played 151 games during his 12-year career, winning three Defensive Player of the Year awards and earning five AP All-Pro nods. He is viewed as a shoo-in Hall of Famer and stands alongside Aaron Donald among the best defensive players of their generation.
MORE: Revisiting J.J. Watt's retirement, transition to NFL analyst on CBS Sports
J.J. Watt contract
Watt last signed an NFL contract in 2021 free agency with the Cardinals. It was a two-year deal worth $28 million and expired at the end of the 2022 season.
If Watt does return to the NFL, no team will own his contractual rights. That would clear a path for him to easily join the Texans should they need him during a potential 2025 NFL playoff run.
J.J. Watt net worth
Watt's net worth is estimated at $70 million, per Celebrity Net Worth. He earned just under $129.75 million during his NFL career, per Spotrac.com, and has padded that with endorsement deals from companies like Reebok, Gatorade, Ford and Verizon.
Watt also works as an NFL analyst on CBS Sports. It isn't clear exactly how much he makes in that role, but that post-retirement gig has been a great fit for the personable NFL star.