Despite having retired from the NFL following the 2023 season, Watt, 35, said in May that the door was open to a return to his beloved Houston Texans if needed.

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JJ Watt retired in 2023 after 12 NFL seasons – 10 of which were spent with the Houston TexansCredit: Getty

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Watt has previously admitted that he would consider returning to the Texans if called upon by head coach DeMeco RyansCredit: Getty – Contributor

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Reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year and Texans star Will Anderson Jr. recently admitted he believes a Watt return ‘might be a possibility’Credit: AP
Now, reigning NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr., 22, has weighed in on the prospect of Watt coming back for one last dance.

“It would be crazy to have him back out here,” the former third overall draft pick admitted on Houston-based SportsRadio 610.

“But he does a really good job of sticking around and being around to get to know us and to see how we are.

“And I think it might be a possibility. I don’t know.”

Asked what impact Watt’s theoretical arrival would have on the Texans’ defensive capabilities, Anderson said it would be “crazy.”

In May, prior to his annual Charity Classic baseball game, Watt told reporters that if Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans were to need his help, he’d be there.

“I’ve had 12 great years in this league and I’m very thankful to have walked away healthy and playing great,” Watt said.

“I told DeMeco last year, I said, ‘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, because I’m not going to 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.

“I don’t anticipate that happening – they’ve got a very good group.”

Just two days later, when quizzed on Watt’s comments at the Texans’ annual Charity Classic, Ryans joked, “I need him now!”

“I need to make that call right now. Anytime JJ Watt’s ready to go, I’m ready to go.”

The second-year head coach, and former teammate of Watt, also added that he loved hearing Watt say he was “ready to go”

“I’ve got his number ready in case we need him. JJ looks good, he’s in shape, he’s ready to roll.

“So I may need to make that call and I’m happy that it’s open from him.”

NFL important dates

August 1 – Hall of Fame Game – Houston Texans vs Chicago Bears

August 8 – Pre-season begins

August 27 – Deadline for 53-man rosters

September 1 – Final day of pre-season

September 5 – Season opener – Baltimore Ravens vs Kansas City Chiefs

November 5 – Trade deadline

January 5 – Week 18 of regular-season

January 11 – Playoffs begin

February 9 – Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, Louisiana

The Texans currently have their fair share of talent at their disposal on the defensive line.

Anderson Jr. was joined this offseason by high-priced free agents Danielle Hunter and Denico Autry, while Jerry Hughes and Derek Barnett were both re-signed.

But should Ryans and Co. decide that reinforcements are required, it would allow Watt to put an end to his playing career where it all began.

Selected in the first round of the 2011 Draft, Watt went on to be named the Defensive Player of the Year three times.

He was also named a First-Team All-Pro five times, a Pro Bowler five times, and the Walter Payton Man of the Year once.

Watt is also the only player in league history to have racked up over 20 sacks in a single season twice.

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Ryans admitted in May that he was pleased Watt had left the door open for a returnCredit: AP

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Watt is the only player in NFL history to have hit 20 sacks in a single season on two occasionsCredit: Getty