J.J. Watt. Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK / USA TODAY NETWORK

Texans HC reacts to J.J. Watt's contingent comeback offer

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated 5/6/24

Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans addressed the swirling comeback rumors surrounding retired defensive end J.J. Watt on Monday.

The former three-time AP Defensive Player of the Year said on Saturday that he told Ryans last year "Don't call unless you absolutely need it," but if he ever did, he'll "be there." Watt stressed that he wouldn't choose to come out of retirement unless Ryans called and said that he "absolutely needs it."

"This is the last year I'll tell him that because I'm not gonna keep training the way I've been training. But he knows that if he ever truly does need it, I'll be there for him," the five-time Pro Bowler added.

#Texans HC DeMeco Ryans exchange with the media today on J.J. Watt saying Saturday that if DeMeco needs him to play DeMeco can call him.

DeMeco: “I need him now! Anytime JJ Watt’s ready to go, I’m ready to go.” pic.twitter.com/yerBDO37hw
— Sean Pendergast (@SeanTPendergast) May 6, 2024

"I love to hear J.J. saying he’s ready. I’ve got his number ready to go in case we need him," Ryans said.

The pair were teammates for one season in Houston (Watt's 2011 rookie campaign) before Ryans was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles in March 2012.

The Texans chose Watt as the 11th overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, and the Wisconsin product became one of the best defenders in NFL history.

He spent the first 10 seasons of his career in Houston, earning five first-team All-Pro honors. Watt led the league in tackles for loss three times, sacks twice and is second all-time in the former category with 195, trailing only Baltimore Ravens legend Terrell Suggs.

The 35-year-old Watt also earned a reputation over the years as one of the league's good guys and won the 2017 Walter Payton Man of the Year award.

The Texans have one of the most loaded rosters on paper heading into the new campaign, and one of their biggest offseason acquisitions was four-time Pro Bowl defensive end Danielle Hunter, who they signed to a two-year, $49M deal.

Injuries are always a part of the game, though, so it wouldn't be a shock to hear Ryans call for Watt midway through the season. He had a productive final season with the Arizona Cardinals in 2022, recording 18 tackles for loss and 12.5 sacks across 16 games.

Watt is set to resume his role as a part-time studio analyst on "The NFL Today" in 2024.

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