J.J. Watt Has the Perfect Strategy for Dealing With Unretirement Questions

Watt doesn’t expect retirement questions to go away anytime soon.

Former Texans and Cardinals star J.J. Watt retired from the NFL after the 2022 season, but that seemingly hasn’t dissuaded fans from prodding him about potentially reversing that decision.

On Wednesday, Watt cleared the air over any speculation about his playing future, leaving behind little doubt regarding his plans. 

Responding to a tweet from ProFootballTalk, Watt revealed his strategy for dealing with retirement questions, while also indicating that he has no plans to un-retire. 

“Correct. Although I look forward to answering this question many more times over the next 6-8 months I’m sure. From the golf course. With a drink in my hand. It will still be a no,” said Watt regarding a potential return to the NFL.

Anyone looking to contact Watt with questions about coming out of retirement should look no further than the back nine, though his answer doesn’t seem likely to change. 

Despite not wavering on his stance on retirement, Watt indicated that he expects the questions to linger for the better part of a year. 

Watt announced his retirement in December of 2022, declaring his intention to call it a career after 12 seasons in the NFL. 

The former Wisconsin Badger was the No. 11 pick of the 2011 NFL draft, selected in the first round by the Texans. He played 10 seasons in Houston before joining the Cardinals in 2021. Across his career, Watt was a three-time Defensive Player of the Year and earned five First Team All-Pro selections.