J.J. Watt Drops Surprising Revelation About Life After Football – Fans Left Wondering What’s Next

Can a defensive titan ever truly hang up his cleats? J.J. Watt, a name that once echoed like a storm across NFL stadiums, recently peeled back the curtain on his retirement with a candor that’s as refreshing as it is surprising. Known for his relentless energy, transformative plays, and a leadership style that demands respect, Watt’s decision to step away wasn’t made lightly — but don’t count him out just yet. As someone who’s seen careers pivot and narratives twist, I find myself wondering: what does it take to walk away from the roar of the crowd when your heart’s still pounding? Let’s dive into Watt’s honest reflections and the uneasy peace of life off the field.

HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 01: Former Houston Texans player J.J. Watt looks on prior to a game between the Houston Texans and the Pittsburgh Steelers at NRG Stadium on October 01, 2023 in Houston, Texas. — (Photo by Logan Riely/Getty Images)

J.J. Watt’s career stands as a testament to defensive dominance, leadership and authenticity that few players have matched.

Selected by the Houston Texans at No. 11 overall in the 2011 NFL Draft, Watt quickly established himself as one of the NFL’s most feared defenders, and at his peak was virtually unstoppable.

Now in his third season off the field, Watt recently offered a candid admission about his retirement.

“When I made the decision to retire, I took a lot of time to think about it. Because I knew that I was most likely gonna be a retire once and be done guy. So, I didn’t take that decision very lightly, and I knew that it would take something unbelievable to get me out of it,” Watt said.

"When I made the decision to retire I took a lot of time to think about it..

I knew that I was most likely gonna be a retire once and be done guy" ~ @JJWatt #PMSLive https://t.co/T24kyWt0Y0 pic.twitter.com/wA923VVFMJ

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) October 22, 2025

The former defensive end also revealed that he felt ready to return during his first two years of retirement if the right situation arose.

The NFL on CBS game analyst said he maintains a training routine similar to his playing days, though he admitted this year has brought a shift in that intensity.

Watt said he believes he would need about three months of legitimate practice to reach NFL-athlete shape again, though he gave no further indication of a comeback.

His relentless energy transformed Houston’s defense, earning him NFL Defensive Player of the Year awards in 2012, 2014 and 2015.

He also collected five All-Pro honors and secured a spot on the 2010s All-Decade Team.

Watt joined the Arizona Cardinals in 2021, where he continued playing at a high level for two seasons despite mounting injuries.

He finished his career with 114.5 career sacks, 586 total tackles and 27 forced fumbles, and is likely bound for the Pro Football Hall of Fame when he becomes eligible.

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