“I’ve known for a little while. It’s the right time. It feels like the right time. I’ve put so much into the game and the wins and the losses, the mental stress and passion that comes with it, it just weighs on you.” While hanging up his cleats in 2022, JJ Watt was pretty sure that the time had come for him to retire. The three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year racked up that season with 12.5 sacks for the Cardinals. However, three years later, the defensive end is changing his mind! So, is JJ Watt returning from his retirement? Wait, what?

During an appearance on the Dan Patrick Show on Tuesday, JJ Watt dropped a bombshell regarding his comeback. He claimed that he would keep his promise made to his friend and soccer goalie, James Trafford, as well as also insist the Cincinnati Bengals take him on the roster. Yes!

While speaking about it, Watt clarified his stance on playing football again, along with a curious question. He expressed, “I’ll do it…Who knows if they even want me? I haven’t talked to them, but I’m in shape I’ll go play.” Watt has never played with the Bengals. Then why them? Well, to know the story behind it, let’s move backward a bit.

It’s actually because of the bet he made with the Burnley goalkeeper. To the people who are unaware, JJ Watt is a part owner of the English soccer club Burnley FC. Hence, he and Trafford made a bet in December 2024. The bet? If the keeper went without giving up a goal for the rest of the EFL Championship season, Watt would come out of his retirement to play with the Bengals. Why Cincinnati, despite being a Texans legend?

It’s because Trafford is a big Bengals fan. And guess what? His clean-sheet streak stands at 13 games. This is insane! As a result, it led JJ Watt to DM the goalie, “‘Hey, you’re really taking this serious huh?’ and he was like I really want you to play for the Bengals. So, two games later, two more games with no (goal). I messaged him back, I said, ‘all right, it’s getting a little ridiculous now, you think you can make it the whole way?’ and he goes how do you eat a whale one bite at a time?” That’s one bold bet.

This incident made Watt think about his promise and hence, he now wants to play with the Bengals, as he still considers himself healthy. But the question is, will the Bengals be ready to take him out of his retirement? The answer is yet to be revealed. But no one can deny that the Bengals need to improve their defensive line. They are in dire need of defensive ends who could help the team compete in the playoffs. So, who knows Watt could be the one?

Top Comment by Daysowild33

He will ultimately help the Bengals win a Superbowl

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Until then, James Trafford is hoping that he does not lose the bet and see his star JJ Watt playing football once again.

Will JJ Watt really make a comeback in the NFL?

JJ Watt may have retired in 2022, but his impact on the game still lingers. He wasn’t just a dominant force – he was a nightmare for opposing offenses. In 12 seasons, across 151 games, he racked up 586 tackles, 114.5 sacks, and 27 forced fumbles. But that’s not all. He also recovered 17 fumbles, defended 70 passes, and even picked off two interceptions, both returned for touchdowns. A true defensive powerhouse, leaving behind a legacy that won’t be forgotten. But now he might come back if he loses the bet with James Trafford.

However, let’s not forget JJ Watt’s 2022 suffering, which reportedly compelled him to take up retirement. He underwent an atrial fibrillation that required doctors to have his heart shocked back into rhythm. Despite that, he played with the Cardinals but retired two months after it. So, his comeback is surely a doubtful situation regarding his health. But as he is claiming himself healthy to make a comeback, you never know what’s in the cards ahead.

Until then, James Trafford has to fulfill his tough promise as there are still 12 games remaining. But if he does, as JJ Watt said, “If he does that, which is insane, we have 12 or 13 games left. I will go out there and follow through.” And guess what? The NFL legend has already started looking for some real estate in Cincinnati, Ohio. He might be relocating and returning to the NFL!