Steelers’ Mike Tomlin Goes Viral After Surprise Visit From JJ Watt

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been fortunate to have T.J. Watt anchoring their defense since they selected him in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Over 104 games with the Steelers, T.J. has amassed 96.5 sacks and 27 forced fumbles, establishing himself as one of the NFL's premier defensive players.

His brother, J.J. Watt, was similarly dominant during his career. J.J. retired after the 2022 season, his body worn down by a relentless playing style and numerous injuries. Over 12 seasons, he earned three Defensive Player of the Year Awards and notched 114.5 sacks, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest defensive players of all time.

Although J.J. has been retired for some time, rumors occasionally surface about a potential return to the NFL, possibly to join his brother T.J. in Pittsburgh. During the 2023 season, J.J. hinted at considering a comeback, mentioning the possibility of returning to the Houston Texans or even the Steelers, though no such move materialized.

On Monday, J.J. sparked excitement among Steeler Nation with a social media post showing him working out on the Steelers' field and in their workout room. This fueled speculation about a possible return to play alongside T.J. The buzz intensified when a video surfaced of J.J. conversing with Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin during practice, further fueling hopes of a brotherly reunion in the Steel City.

The notion of J.J. making a serious return to the NFL seems more far-fetched but there's always a chance. At least for the 2024 season. J.J. has made it clear that the 2024 season will be his last opportunity to consider a comeback. 

This means Steelers fans have one final chance to dream of seeing both J.J. and T.J. on the field together. Although it remains unlikely, J.J. hinted at a slim possibility during his conversation with Pat McAfee.

Steelers Could Still Benefit From Adding J.J. Watt Despite His Age

At 35 years old, J.J. would certainly be in the latter stages of his career, but he has maintained his fitness and conditioning. Despite his age, J.J. remains in impressive shape and could potentially offer the Steelers one last strong season. 

The prospect of seeing both Watt brothers playing together would not only be thrilling due to their familial bond but would also spell trouble for opposing offenses. While J.J. may not be the powerhouse he once was, a year of rest since the end of the 2022 season might have left him with some valuable energy to contribute to Pittsburgh's defense.

Currently, the viral video of Tomlin and J.J. chatting continues to fuel speculation and keep fans buzzing on social media. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean J.J. is gearing up to return to the NFL. Steelers fans remain hopeful that J.J. might reconsider and join forces with his brother on the field. Despite the inevitability of aging, J.J. could still bring significant value. A defense featuring both J.J. and T.J. would undoubtedly be a formidable force, even with J.J.'s advanced age.

As the 2024 season approaches, the hope of witnessing the Watt brothers' reunion remains possible. If anything were to happen it would most likely happen during the season. During the 2023 season the Steelers faced some injuries which led Steelers fans to go crazy on social media telling J.J. to suit up. If something along those lines happen during the 2024 season, it could happen. It's not likely but you never know.

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