Texans Legend J.J. Watt Puts End to Comeback Talk, Excited to Begin New Role

   

Former Houston Texans defensive star J.J. Watt will be busy this fall for a number of reasons, but he won't be playing on the gridiron. 

The 36-year-old who had been flirting with a comeback off-and-on since retiring at the end of the 2022 season, seemed to put those talks to rest on Wednesday as the Texans closed minicamp. 

"I'll always think I can do it [play], which is a problem," Watt told reporters. But as far as the itch to return to the field, Watt made it clear he's moved on. 

"I definitely no longer have that. I'm just comfortable, I'm at peace. We're having our second baby soon. Life is very good, I'm very fortunate."

Not only will Watt have his hands full this fall with a new child, but he'll also have a new role with CBS Sports. After two seasons as a studio analyst, Watt will move into the booth as a color commentator alongside play-by-play voice Ian Eagle. 

"Ian's the best," Watt said. "There's nothing better when you've got Ian Eagle as your partner. He's just so smooth, so witty, so smart, balanced. He will make me look good in any situation. I'm very lucky to have such a great partner."

 

As far as his new role in the booth, Watt is eager to start preparing. 

"It kind of stretches that muscle, and I love watching the film during the week," Watt said. "I love studying the players and so that's just kind of all worked out."

Whether he'll be on the call for any Texans games is yet to be determined, but Watt would be surprised if he wasn't on the call for a game this fall. 

"I would imagine, I mean we [CBS Sports] have the AFC and the Texans are obviously a draw in the AFC, so we'll have some."