The dream that many Pittsburgh Steelers fans had of future Hall of Famer, JJ Watt coming to town in order to play at least one season with his brother TJ Watt were crushed when JJ announced his retirement from the NFL. The five-time All-Pro called it a career after an incredible 12 professional seasons. That hasn't stopped TJ's fans from still thinking a return to the league in the Black and Gold is out of the question based on a recent Twitter encounter with Pittsburgh's Head Coach, Mike Tomlin.
Steelers head coach, Mike Tomlin roams the sidelines prior to a 2021 regular season game against the Buffalo Bills. | Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Speculation continues to swirl during JJ's retirement as current Steelers' scout and former player, Ike Taylor joined the Bleav in Steelers podcast and didn't shy away from telling the big man that his phone may be ringing at some point during the 2023 season, and who knows, maybe even before. JJ has been adamant about his retirement, but never say never, right?
"Hey JJ. Just stay in shape. You might get that phone call throughout the year. Go on. Stay in shape. Just in case."
Taylor seemed ecstatic about the two defensive Watt brothers playing on the same defense. It's clear that the two, along with their other brother, Derek Watt, have a strong bond amongst them.
"I mean, picture the Watt's on both ends of the stick coming off the edge, ya know? JJ, a future Hall of Famer, picture him alongside his brother, TJ, trying to make a playoff push."
Steelers players Derek and TJ Watt pose for a photo while their brother, JJ, missed out on the family reunion. Photo Credit: Steelers.com
TJ will certainly be on a mission to have a better career than his brother, but that will be no easy task. JJ had 586 total tackles, 317 QB hits, 114.5 sacks and 27 forced fumbles in his 151 games in the NFL. TJ is on the right track, but those numbers may be even harder to achieve if his brother decides to make a comeback. Taylor continued later on in the podcast and made a plea to JJ.
"JJ, please stay in shape because you just might get that call," Taylor said.
Taylor isn't very high up in the Steelers' organization, but he still has a direct connection to Tomlin and has a better understanding of what's going on inside the franchise than many looking in from the outside. It's hard to imagine Pittsburgh reaching out to JJ midseason, but who's to say calling him in the middle of the summer is outside the realm of possibility?
Let's not pretend like JJ coming back and playing for the Steelers is more likely than him not, but if the dominant defensive force was to consider coming out of retirement, it may just be to play with his brother who is roughly six years younger. There's no way JJ is ignoring a call from a '412' number if it comes in during the middle of the 2023 season.
Former Arizona Cardinals defensive end, JJ Watt runs out of the tunnel in what would be his *expected* last season in the NFL. | Photo Credit: Cooper Neill / Getty Images
Steelers Might Keep JJ's Phone Number On Speed Dial In 2023
There are a countless number of retired athletes who have come out of their relaxed state in order to pick up the sport in which they once thrived. JJ has his newborn son and family is the ultimate factor, but his brother is also part of the bloodline too and coming to Pittsburgh to fuel an unexpected 2023 run could be in the cards, at least, according to Taylor. JJ is retired for now, but keep an eye on his status throughout the rest of the year.
Do you think that there is any chance JJ comes to play a year for the Steelers with TJ? Let us know in the comments below!
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