Watt played a decade with the Texans before spending his last two seasons with the Arizona Cardinals. He retired at the end of the 2022 campaign. Houston enshrined the renowned pass rusher into the Ring of Honor last season.
Ryans was asked what scenario he could imagine in which he may call Watt. The coach expertly avoided responding to the exact question.
“I need him now!” Ryans replied, chuckling. “I need to make the call right away. “Anytime J.J. Watt is ready to go, I am too.”
The entire back and forth is a charming narrative for May. And, although no one doubts Watt’s ability to return after more than a year away, if the Texans require the future Hall of Famer, things went disastrously wrong.
Houston spent the offseason improving Ryan’s defense, including paying big money for Danielle Hunter and adding Denico Autry on the interior. If Will Anderson makes the expected progress in 2024 and Hunter keeps healthy, the Texans’ pass rush should be formidable.
The fact is that Ryans will spend the next eight months not seriously considering making that call to Watt. However, it’s always reassuring to know that a Hall of Famer would answer the phone if a real “in case of emergency break glass” situation occurs.
