“I have his number ready to go.”

Watt spent a decade with the Texans before finishing his final two professional years with the Arizona Cardinals. He retired at the end of the 2022 campaign. Houston already inducted the legendary passer into its Ring of Honor last season.

Ryans was asked what circumstances he could imagine in which he might call Watt. The coach cleverly avoided answering the specific question.

“I need him now!” » Ryans said with a laugh. “I have to make this call now. Whenever JJ Watt is ready to go, I’m ready to go.”

All of this back and forth is a nice story for May. And while no one questions Watt’s ability to return after more than a year away, if the Texans need the future Hall of Famer, things have gone horribly wrong.

Houston spent the offseason beefing up Ryans defense, including shelling out big money for Danielle Hunter and adding Denico Autry inside. If Will Anderson makes the expected step forward in 2024 and Hunter stays healthy, the Texans’ pass rush should be threatening.

The reality is Ryans will go the next eight months without really considering calling Watt. But it’s always good to know that a HOFer will answer your call if a true “in case of emergency: broken window” situation arises.