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Future Hall of Famer J.J. Watt is preparing to embark on a new football journey as he joins CBS as a broadcaster for the upcoming season.
However, he recently revealed that he had contemplated a different path during his free agency in 2021—one that would have seen him team up with his brothers in Pittsburgh.
Having spent his entire career at the time with the Houston Texans, Watt became one of the most prominent free agents of the 2021 offseason. His departure from the Texans marked the end of an era, and he was pursued by several teams eager to secure his services.
One potential destination that captured the imagination was the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he would have had the opportunity to play alongside his brothers, T.J. Watt and Derek Watt.
At the time, T.J. Watt was negotiating a record-breaking contract extension with the Steelers, which ultimately made him the highest-paid pass rusher in the NFL, with an average annual value of $28 million per season.
This significant development gave J.J. pause, as he did not want his own free agency decisions to impact his brother’s contract negotiations.
During an appearance on the Green Light Podcast with Chris Long, J.J. Watt acknowledged that the Steelers were indeed on his list of potential teams. He admitted that it would have been an incredible experience to play alongside his brothers but emphasized his concern for T.J.’s contract situation.
J.J. did not want to inadvertently affect T.J.’s earnings by demanding a substantial salary himself.
In the end, J.J. Watt made the decision to sign a two-year contract with the Arizona Cardinals.
Despite facing injury setbacks in recent seasons, he proved his enduring value on the field by recording an impressive 12.5 sacks during the season. Instead of seeking yet another new team to extend his career, J.J. chose to retire on a personal high note and leave the game behind.
Now, as he prepares to transition into a broadcasting role with CBS, J.J. Watt reflects on the opportunities that could have been.
The prospect of joining his brothers in Pittsburgh was undoubtedly enticing, but his loyalty to T.J. and his desire to avoid any interference with his brother’s contract negotiations ultimately led him down a different path.