The Pittsburgh Steelers have been fortunate to have TJ Watt dominating the NFL since they selected him in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft. TJ has been a game-changer and one of the league's best players for several seasons. Before TJ, his brother, JJ Watt, was a force in the NFL, winning three AP Defensive Player of the Year Awards and amassing 114.5 sacks over his 12-year career.
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Steelers' TJ Watt hugs his brother JJ Watt.
JJ retired after the 2022 season with the Arizona Cardinals. However, in the past couple of seasons, there have been small rumors and teases about a potential return to football. While JJ clearly misses the game, he doesn’t miss the toll it took on his body. Despite this, his love for football is evident, and the idea of possibly playing alongside his brother TJ in Pittsburgh has captivated fans for quite some time.
JJ now works with former Steelers Head Coach Bill Cowher at CBS Sports. The two have developed a great friendship. During an appearance on The Dan Patrick Show, Cowher discussed the upcoming NFL season and was asked about the possibility of JJ being tempted out of retirement.
"Yeah, I think it’s going to have to be the right situation," Cowher told Patrick. "I think the only place that would ever be the case is probably the Houston Texans or maybe the Pittsburgh Steelers if it came down to it."
JJ spent the majority of his career with the Houston Texans, a team he still holds dear. During the 2023 season, he mentioned that if he were to return to the game, it would likely be with either the Texans or the Steelers.
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Steelers' Mike Tomlin chats with former great player JJ Watt during practice.
The Steelers are an obvious choice due to his brother, TJ, who is not only one of the best players in the NFL but also arguably the top defensive player in the league today. At one point, that was how pundits viewed JJ. Now, at 35 years old and after some time away from the game, many question whether JJ could make a comeback—but not Cowher. Cowher playfully teases JJ, noting that he’s still working out hard and in playing shape.
"If you look at him right now, he is training. He is actually at the same weight he was when he played. So I’m just like ok, at some point, are you gonna bring down, or are you ready to play again?"
Patrick suggested that JJ had mentioned being tempted to return and play for the Green Bay Packers. However, Cowher believes that if JJ were to come back, it would only be for the Texans or the Steelers.
"He could sign anywhere, but I think the Texans are where his hearts at and obviously with his brother in Pittsburgh, I would think those are the only two places in my opinion."
JJ and TJ are among the greatest defensive players in NFL history—in fact, they’re two of the best football players ever. TJ has racked up 96.5 sacks over his seven seasons, making him one of the most feared game-wreckers in the league.
Some wonder if JJ could still perform at that level. In his final season in 2022, JJ recorded 12.5 sacks, but injuries throughout his career ultimately led him to retire on his terms.
Steelers Have One Last Chance To Get JJ Watt In Pittsburgh
However, JJ's love for football is still strong. Pat McAfee mentioned that JJ told him this would be the last season he keeps his phone on for a possible return. Steelers fans are thrilled at the slight chance JJ could suit up alongside his brother TJ.
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JJ and TJ Watt stand together on the red carpet prior to an NFL Honors Awards Show.
Seeing the two Watts play together would not only be a special moment but also a boost to an already stacked defense. While a return to football seems unlikely, the possibility of JJ playing for the Steelers still exists. Steeler Nation will continue to hope to see JJ in black and gold with TJ before the 2024 season ends.
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