Would you like to see JJ Watt back on the gridiron? Considered one of the greatest defensive linemen of all time, Watt received the AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award three times in his first five seasons. Of course you would. And what if he makes a comeback with the Bengals? Joe Burrow on the O-line, Watt on the D-line -whoa, it feels like some wins are coming to the column. But give your imagination a break. The former Texans legend has put on a condition to make his NFL return with Cincinnati.

Sadly, that condition wasn’t fulfilled, so there will be no Watt-Burrow action on the gridiron.

It’s no secret that JJ is a soccer fan, and his love for soccer took him to own a small stake in Burnley F.C. Strikingly, Burnley’s goalkeeper, James Trafford, is an NFL fan, specifically a Cincinnati Bengals supporter. The whole comeback thing started when Watt made a bet, telling James he would come out of retirement if he didn’t allow a goal for the entire EFL season. Now, Watt fans must have been praying that he doesn’t so that they could see their favorite player back on the gridiron. 

Trafford was going strong without allowing a single goal for 12 games straight. And tadaa! Trafford’s no-goal streak ended on Tuesday against Cardiff City as the Burnley keeper allowed a goal in their 2-1 victory. Phew! Watt can take a breath. “Cincinnati, that was a fun ride,” posted the former DE on X as he keeps his retirement in safe hands.

The former Texan star is flying high as he enjoys his retirement life, and he’s got a lot more to say. “Hope you enjoyed getting to know a bit about Burnley & our squad. What an unbelievable run for Traff & the boys. An improbable bond formed from across the pond. Bengals fans are welcome on Turf Moor any time,” wrote the 35-year-old. Well, we’ve got to thank Watt for taking all of us on this wild ride where football, soccer, and JJ were all tangled up in a ‘pretty serious‘ bet.

JJ Watt’s NFL return is not happening anymore

“It’s getting pretty serious.” That’s what JJ had to say when he appeared on the Dan Patrick Show in February, and it indeed was when the former DE shared that he had bought a property in Cincinnati, suggesting he was moving to the city. And Bengals fans couldn’t help but wonder if he was relocating because he was seriously considering a comeback. Sharing photos of his property, the former Texans star captioned, “Didn’t think we’d make it this far…” on his X post.

Before teasing fans with that post, Watt had posted a photo of himself signing a piece of paper. Signing his contract papers? Well, that’s what some of us might have thought. Not only that, but the picture also featured James Trafford holding up a Bengals No. 99 jersey. Honestly, at that point, Watt had almost convinced everyone of his comeback.

Well, now the hopes have crashed. There will be no comeback. But have to admit, that was a close call. Guess it’s time for the NFL to stop dreaming about his return. And as for Watt, you’ve got to excuse him because ‘he’s got a feast to attend.‘