It wasn’t that long ago that Houston Texans superstar J.J. Watt was openly discussing the possibility he’d leave the game earlier than many people expected. Things have certainly changed.
Following two injury-filled seasons he was a dominant force once more in 2018. Based on what he shared Tuesday it’s clear he’s fired up more than ever before to play in the NFL a long time.
James Palmer of NFL Network shared that Watt believes missing the two seasons will actually be two more years he can play in the long run. Watt also said, “I don’t want to leave the game anytime soon … I wouldn’t trade if for anything else in the world.”
From 2016-17, Watt played in just eight games as brutal injuries kept him off the field. Last year, he not only played a full season but got back to the form that made him a three-time Defensive Player of the Year, racking up 16 sacks.
Still just 30 years of age, Watt has tallied 92 sacks in 104 career games. From 2012-15, he amassed an astonishing 69 sacks, averaging more than 17 per season.
If he’s able to play well into his late-30s like some of the game’s greats, he could potentially challenge Bruce Smith’s record of 200 sacks.