JJ Watt shows off incredible physique as fans wonder about NFL return

JJ Watt showed off his incredible physique, leaving fans to wonder if he is plotting to come out of retirement. 

Watt, 35, shared a post-workout picture on Monday and boasted his chiseled frame with the caption ‘progress’. 

As the former defensive end shared that he is still in NFL shape, users reacted by pushing the narrative of his return to the league. 

NFL Network’s Brendan Walker wrote: ‘@HoustonTexans you know what to do.’

Meanwhile, a Texans fan account gained over 100 likes by commenting: ‘So when you coming back? Week 11?’ 

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Watt, a three-time Defensive Player of the Year and five-time Pro Bowler, called it a career after 12 seasons in 2022, aged 33. 

His career was split between the Texans from 2011-2020 and the Arizona Cardinals from 2021-2022.  

Considered one of the best defensive linemen the league has seen, Watt’s 114.5 career sacks rank 34th in NFL history. He is also one of four players to post three or more seasons with at least 17.5 sacks in pro football.

During his final season in Arizona, Watt started in all 16 games and finished with 12.5 sacks, 18 tackles for loss, one forced fumble and seven pass deflections. 

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Post-retirement, the likely first-ballot Hall-of-Famer joined CBS Sports’ The NFL Today. However, he seemed to entertain the idea of an NFL return with Houston in the near future. 

‘I’m very thankful to have walked away healthy, playing great,’ Watt said on May 4. ‘I told DeMeco [Ryans] last year: I said, ‘Don’t call unless you absolutely need it. But if you ever do call, I’ll be there.’ This is the last year I’ll tell him that, because I’m not going to keep training the way I’ve been training.’

However, Watt also admitted he is not anticipating a return this season, as the strength of the Texans defense does not call for his services. Houston’s defensive line boasts Danielle Hunter, Will Anderson Jr, and Jerry Hughes. 

Besides his former team, Watt has also been linked to the Pittsburgh Steelers – where he would team up with younger brother TJ.