Head coach Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers has always been known for his straightforward and no-nonsense attitude. So when he was asked about the possibility of signing J.J. Watt out of retirement, his response was nothing short of hilarious.
During a recent press conference, Tomlin was asked if the Steelers had ever considered trying to sign the three-time Defensive Player of the Year, who announced his retirement from the NFL earlier this year. And instead of giving a lengthy and serious answer, Tomlin simply replied with eight words that left everyone in the room laughing.
“Never say never in this business,” Tomlin said with a smirk.
While some may interpret this as a cryptic response, Tomlin’s words actually hold a deeper meaning. In the unpredictable world of professional football, anything is possible. And as Tomlin knows all too well, it’s important to never rule out any possibilities.
But beyond the humor of his response, Tomlin’s words also shed light on the Steelers’ potential interest in Watt. After all, Watt is a highly sought-after free agent, and it’s no secret that the Steelers could use some help on their defensive line. With his impressive track record and undeniable talent, it’s no surprise that teams like the Steelers are keeping a close eye on Watt’s retirement status.
However, Tomlin’s response also shows that the Steelers are not going to actively pursue Watt. As much as they may want him on their team, they are not going to go out of their way to try and convince him to come out of retirement. Instead, they will leave the door open and let Watt make his own decision.
But what exactly makes Watt such an appealing player? For starters, he has proven himself to be one of the best defensive players in the league. During his time with the Houston Texans, Watt racked up an impressive 101 sacks, 25 forced fumbles, and 16 fumble recoveries. He was also named to five Pro Bowls and was a three-time Defensive Player of the Year. And at just 31 years old, there’s no doubt that he still has plenty of gas left in the tank.
But it’s not just his on-field performance that makes Watt a desirable addition to any team. He is also known for his leadership and work ethic, both on and off the field. He is a respected figure in the NFL and is often praised for his charitable work and contributions to his community. These qualities make him not only a great player, but also a great role model for younger players.
So it’s no wonder that fans and teams alike are eagerly awaiting Watt’s decision on whether or not he will come out of retirement. And while Tomlin’s response may have been humorous, it also shows that the Steelers are not going to put all their eggs in one basket. They have a strong team and are always looking for ways to improve, but they are not going to go all-in on one player.
In the end, only time will tell if Watt will decide to return to the NFL and if the Steelers will be the lucky team to sign him. But one thing is for sure, Tomlin and the Steelers will be ready for any opportunity that may arise. And with Tomlin’s words in mind, we should all remember to never say never in the ever-changing world of professional football.