J.J. Watt returned to Houston for an emotional moment before calling Sunday’s game between his former team, the Texans, and the Jaguars. The CBS Sports analyst spent time on the NRG Stadium field with his 3-year-old son, Koa, reliving memories from his decade-long career in Houston.
“It was the best. This was such a cool morning for me to have my wife, Kealia, and my son, Koa, out on the field. Obviously, so many memories in this building, so many great throwbacks, and to see him run into that end zone, the same one I’ve run into before, just unbelievable feeling this morning.”
Watt, drafted 11th overall by the Texans in 2011 after playing at Wisconsin, became one of the franchise’s defining players. Over ten seasons, he earned three Defensive Player of the Year awards and five First-team All-Pro selections, cementing his reputation as one of the NFL’s elite defensive ends.
Following the 2020 season, Watt requested his release and signed a two-year deal with the Arizona Cardinals. His time there was marked by challenges, including a shoulder injury in 2021 that required surgery. In 2022, he revealed that he had suffered from atrial fibrillation and underwent a procedure to restore his heart rhythm.
Returning to NRG Stadium, Watt blended past and present—sharing the field where he built his legacy with his son, offering a poignant glimpse at life beyond football.
Author’s summary: J.J. Watt’s return to Houston turned into a touching reunion with his football legacy and a special family moment on the field where his career thrived.