J.J. Watt has kept busy since deciding to retire from the NFL. He joined CBS Sports as an analyst and continues to develop his post-football career as a media personality, recently appearing on The Pat McAfee Show. During the show, the possibility of Watt returning to the field to play alongside his brother, T.J. Watt was discussed:
JJ Watt didn't write off a NFL return when Pat McAfee pressed him. pic.twitter.com/cZTJNnG0sg
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) September 13, 2023
The Pittsburgh Steelers Pro Bowl defensive lineman Cam Heyward is undergoing surgery to repair his groin and is expected to miss the next eight weeks, per NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo. Heyward’s absence creates a massive void in the Steelers defense. He has been a leader of the unit for over a decade.
In comes J.J. Watt, one of the greatest defensive players of all time. He would be a welcomed addition to play alongside his brother, T.J. Watt, who is the engine of the Steelers’ defense. Between the positional need for the team and the family ties, the stars are aligning for Watt to make a return to the NFL.
While Watt was on his show, Pat McAfee acknowledged this and also mentioned that Watt is "still working out the same exact way as if you [he] were still playing," leaving the door open for Watt to respond. "I love the city of Pittsburgh," said Watt, but then added, "he’s enjoying being retired."
Watt technically didn’t say no, which makes this a situation to monitor. He recorded 12.5 sacks and 39 combined tackles in 2022 during his final season in the NFL. He is almost assuredly going to the Hall of Fame one day for his contributions, but could that be put on hold if he decides to make a comeback and play with his brother?
