Here's what Andre Johnson said about rumors that J.J. Watt is returning to football

KHOU 11's Matt Musil asked the former Texans' great about Watt's future Sunday.

HOUSTON — Though J.J. Watt has not given any indication that he’s coming back to football, it’s something fans have been speculating about since he hung up his cleats after last season.

And if he does return to the NFL, would the future Hall of Famer return to the Texans?

Watt posted to social media that he was working out in Houston last week at the Texans’ facility. And while a return to the NFL or the Texans may be a long shot at best, one of his former teammates and fellow member of the team’s Ring of Honor addressed it Sunday when asked by KHOU 11’s Matt Musil.

“I honestly feel he retired a little early,” former Texans’ receiver Andre Johnson said Sunday. “That’s just my personal opinion. I think he still has some football in him.”

Andre Johnson is honorary captain for today's @HoustonTexans game against @Jaguars & this was his reaction when I asked him about the rumors that his former teammate @JJWatt may come out of retirement and play for the Texans. Andre says, “I think it would be great.” Here's more: pic.twitter.com/JxJzqjHuvS

— Matt Musil (@KHOUSportsMatt) November 26, 2023

Watt retired from football after his second season in Arizona. His stint with the Cardinals came after 10 seasons in Houston, the team that drafted him out of Wisconsin. He started this football season as a studio analyst for CBS Sports.

Thanks to Mike for letting me use his weightroom. Cal, DeMeco, Nick for letting me use the facilities all week.

Just like old times.

🤘🏼#HTown pic.twitter.com/UPozm21bXG

— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) November 24, 2023

If he did come back to Houston, Johnson said it would be something special for the team and the city.

“That would be crazy,” Johnson said. “I think definitely the fans would love it.”

Watt has been a regular on the Pat McAfee Show, and some of his appearances have added a little fuel to the rumors, including one appearance last week. That’s when he told McAfee that he’s been working out with the Texans players. After that, McAfee posted to Twitter, “WHEN ARE YOU SIGNING WITH THE TEXANS”

“I've been working out at the stadium all week with the Texans..

I'm going over there right after this to work with some of the young guys and I love being around the guys” ~ @JJWatt

WHEN ARE YOU SIGNING WITH THE TEXANS#PMSLive #WeAreTexans pic.twitter.com/YNtY1vND4z

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) November 22, 2023

Watt may not have time to play. He and his wife Kealia Ohai Watt are minority owners in Burnley FC and are spending a lot of time with the team.

Johnson was at Sunday’s game to “rep H-Town on the field” during pregame festivities.