With the exception of Cam Heyward’s groin surgery, the Pittsburgh Steelers had a fairly healthy defensive line during the season. However, J.J. Watt was waiting for the chance to pitch in if they needed assistance. Watt disclosed that he was watching the Pittsburgh Steelers and Houston Texans in case he decided to come out of retirement during an appearance on the Pat McAfee Show. In the end, it never happened. Watt stated, “I was definitely keeping an eye on the Steelers and Texans situations, but it never really got to the point where there was any real potential.” It truly would have been a dream come true. My brother would have been a terrific player. It’s just, in all honesty… They were prepared. They have excellent players.
Watt’s visit to Acrisure Stadium was a bit of a turning point. After seeing his brother T.J. play for the Steelers, he realized how much he missed the emotions of gameday in the NFL.
“When I went to Pittsburgh and visited T.J. and watched him get ready for the game, that was hands down the moment, where I was like, ‘This is the first time I definitely miss playing,’” Watt said. “It was halfway through the year. … I felt all those emotions before the game, and then the next morning, he woke up all sore, bruised up, has to go get treatment and everything. I popped up, went for a nice walk and had a coffee. It was great. I don’t have any of those things.” Watt is officially a full year retired, and says he’s “1,000% done,” but if the Steelers need some help this offseason, maybe they’ll give him a call. You never know what a conversation does, and with T.J. still in his prime, a chance to play with his brother may be a turning point to get him to Pittsburgh.
