Retired defensive end J.J. Watt wouldn't elaborate as to why he was unable to end his NFL career with the Green Bay Packers.
JJ Watt announced his retirement from the NFL this past season, and he will undoubtedly become a Hall of Famer very soon. Of course, he began his career with the Houston Texans as a first-round pick in 2011, putting up ridiculous numbers and winning three Defensive Player of the Year awards. As a free agent in 2021, Watt signed with the Arizona Cardinals.
Even though he never played for him, the Green Bay Packers have been linked to Watt recently.
During an appearance on "The Rise and Schein Podcast" with Mad Dog Sports Radio's Adam Schein back in May, Watt was asked about why he never signed with the Packers to end his career in his home state of Wisconsin. Watt said, "Sometimes things just don't happen the way fairy tales are supposed to happen," and when asked for details said, "That's a story for another day."
Well, on Aug. 1, Watt made an appearance on "The Dan Patrick Show," and was asked by the host about how close he was to signing with the Packers. Watt again said that it was a story for another day, but provided the caveat that he has to "get more information about it." Watt then said that it "would've been cool" if he played for the Packers, but said, "It wasn't really an option."
JJ Watt said playing for the Packers 'wasn't really an option'
Watt playing for the Packers in his home state would have been a feel-good story to round out his illustrious NFL career. He grew up in Pewaukee, and played for the town's high school Then, after spending the 2007 season at Central Michigan, transferred over to play for the Wisconsin Badgers. After a strong collegiate career, he was selected by the Texans with the 11th overall pick.
After spending 10 seasons in Houston, Watt was released from his contract by the Texans, making him a free agent. Considering he was a future Hall of Famer and an impact player along the line of scrimmage, nearly every team could have signed him, including the Packers. As Watt mentions, the Packers weren't really an option. He ultimately signed a two-year, $31 million deal with the Cardinals.
Watt was limited to seven games in his first year with the Cardinals due to shoulder surgery. He would play in 16 regular-season games, where he recorded 25 quarterback hits, 12.5 sacks, and seven defended passes before he announced before the end of the campaign that he would be retiring.
Seeing Watt don the signature green and yellow uniform of the Packers would have been a dream come true for their fanbase. Alas, as Watt says, it wasn't meant to be.
