It was good to see J.J. Watt in the building.
The franchise's all-time sacks leader and Ring of Honor member took in Wednesday's minicamp practice and shared with the media his optimism about the year ahead for the Texans.
Below are a few key topics Watt covered at practice.
Optimism abounds
Even though the Texans weren't in pads, and are three months away from the start of the regular season, Watt saw a fire in them Wednesday that was impressive.
"I was talking to some people on the sideline: those are the moments you miss the most, practicing with your guys," Watt said. "Make a play and everybody goes nuts. The whole sideline, the whole defense. There's just nothing better. Those are the best teams in the middle of June, the last day of minicamp, going crazy over a play. Just because you love the game, you love your brothers, you love to make plays. That's going to translate in the fall. It's this is a really good group."
Don't call it a comeback
Watt retired after the 2022 regular season, a year in which he tallied 12.5 sacks for the Cardinals. Walking away from the game after such a productive campaign has caused some in the media and fanbase to wonder whether or not the former defensive end would ever consider a comeback. Watt was asked about it again on Wednesday, and it doesn't sound like he has "the itch" to be back on the gridiron.
"I definitely no longer have that anymore," Watt said. "I'm just comfortable. I'm at peace. We're having our second baby soon. Life is very good. I'm very fortunate."
More TV
After two years as a contributing studio analyst at CBS, Watt will move into the booth for games this season. He'll serve as a color commentator with veteran play-by-play voice Ian Eagle, and Watt is grateful to be teamed up with Eagle.
"Ian's the best," Watt said. "There's nothing better when you've got Ian Eagle as your partner. He's just so smooth, so witty, so smart, balanced. He will make me look good in any situation. I'm very lucky to have such a great partner."
It's a different role than the one he had in his first two years, and it's one he's embracing.
"It kind of stretches that muscle, and I love watching the film during the week," Watt said. "I love studying the players and so that's just kind of all worked out."
