J.J. Watt puts to rest rumors about coming out of retirement to play for Steelers

There is no doubt that Pittsburgh Steelers fans everywhere would be ecstatic if all three Watt brothers ended up playing for the organization in 2023. While TJ is under contract through 2025 and Derek remains a free agent, the eldest of the three would make it nearly impossible due to his recent retirement. That hasn't stopped everyone from imagining JJ in the black and gold. Team scout Ike Taylor even recently said on a podcast that the former three-time Defensive Player of the Year should stay close to his phone "just in case."

On the most recent episode of the popular Barstool Sports podcast, "Pardon My Take," Dan "Big Cat" Katz and his co-host, PFT brought up the possibility of JJ coming out of his brief retirement in order to play with one and maybe even both of his brothers.

"There are some rumors out there flying around that you are still maybe entertaining the idea of playing for the Steelers next year," PFT said.

JJ began responding with a little bit of a tease. He gave out massive compliments to Steelers fans everywhere and it almost seemed like he was going to say he might be open to idea if the opportunity presented itself.

"The Steelers fans are really one of the best fan bases I've ever witnessed in my life. Everywhere I go, 'Hey I love you, but I'm a huge Steelers fan, so I love you brother. Hey, come to the Steelers.'"

Shortly after gushing over the black and gold faithful, he continued and broke the hearts of millions of fans everywhere that were hoping to see him play one more season via Pittsburgh.

"But, no. I will not be playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers. I will be going to a game at [Acrisure Stadium] to watch my brother play."

This doesn't really come as a surprise as JJ recently has gotten involved in the other kind of football, but it sure would have been nice to seem him give it one more go with his younger brother(s). There is still a chance that he could return. But, he was very clear on the situation and how he would have to be compensated.

"Week 17. $10 million. That's still on the table."

They continued to discuss a potential return, and JJ said that he has not prepared and will not be preparing for a return to the NFL. He would have had to begin training already, which he has neglected to do.

"That's the whole reason I can tell you right now for a fact I'm not coming back. For me to play this season, I would have to be training right now. My body, if I had to play right now, I would not perform. I haven't run since the last game of the [2022] season."

Steelers Miss Out On Potential Awesome Story

JJ and TJ on the same field wouldn't just be daunting for opposing offenses, but it would also be sure to fill Acrisure Stadium during all nine home games in 2023. It's unfortunate that JJ didn't come to the Steelers back in 2021 when he signed with the Arizona Cardinals. We will probably never know what the two could have been like together on a professional field. That is, if Pittsburgh decides against giving him $10 million in December for a playoff push.