After undergoing his second back surgery in a little more than two months, J.J. Watt missed the 2016 NFL season from Week Four on. Despite the gigantic absence that was created by the loss of the best player in the NFL, the Texans’ defense managed to remain an elite unit as other players (especially Jadeveon Clowney) stepped up.
We haven’t heard much from Watt about his progress since the day before he had that second surgery, though we did see him on Houston’s sideline toward the latter part of the season. Today, in the midst of the Super Bowl hullabaloo, J.J. Watt met with the media and updated the public on his health. As you’d expect, it’s awesome news for Texans fans and more or less the exact opposite of that for opposing offenses.
J.J. Watt has regained a lot of muscle lost during recovery from back surgery, looked leaner than previous playing weight, but not by a lot
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) February 1, 2017
Watt: "I feel great. Last year was difficult. Good thing is I've had the proper time to recover and proper time to do it right."
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) February 1, 2017
J.J. Watt acknowledged he tried to push himself back at rehab pace he probably needed more time for last season
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) February 1, 2017
Watt: "From this point forward, my offseason is a regular offseason with full training. I feel very good knowing I have many months ahead."
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) February 1, 2017
J.J. Watt 'I'm working very hard, but also very smart' pic.twitter.com/18T2SlnFOZ
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) February 1, 2017
Watt: "You can work hard, but you have to work smart. That was probably the biggest thing I've learned."
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) February 1, 2017
Watt: "It was great when I was cleared to be on the sideline. There is no energy like that energy, seeing the guys flying around."
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) February 1, 2017
Watt: "I feel very, very confident with where things are going. There's a long road ahead but I feel great."
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) February 1, 2017
J.J. Watt added 'ton of core' to workouts, four or five hours long in total, core, weights, field work, 'i go home and refuel, take a nap'
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) February 1, 2017
Watt on Clowney: "I thought he played very well. Pro Bowl season. Extremely disruptive. He really stepped up."
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) February 1, 2017
Watt: "When the thing you love is taken away from you, you really appreciate what you've missed."
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) February 1, 2017
J.J. Watt on wanting to hit someone on the field: 'It’s like having an insatiable appetite that hasn’t been fed in a very, very long time.'
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) February 1, 2017
Watt: "There's a brand new fire, a new passion. There are new levels to reach I haven't reached yet. Trying to be the best player ever."
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) February 1, 2017
J.J. Watt said he feels 'rejuvenated' said while he heard outside voices reference retirement 'I'm just getting started'
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) February 1, 2017
Watt on availability for OTAs: "I don't see why not. I've been cleared for football activities."
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) February 1, 2017
Watt: "Every day I'm excited to work, excited for what lies ahead. Couldn't be more excited to play for the fans and city of Houston."
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) February 1, 2017
J.J. Watt excited about potential of top-ranked defense with his return next season pic.twitter.com/b7G7bzghhC
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) February 1, 2017
J.J. has a message for #Texans fans. pic.twitter.com/7xHJQNLPtM
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) February 1, 2017
Thinking about what the Texans’ defense could look like next season, with a rejuvenated J.J. Watt, provides quite the dose of optimism about the Texans’ chances in 2017, does it not?