Green Bay Packers fans are trying to convince free agent defensive end J.J. Watt to sign with the team this offseason.
With the Houston Texans franchise in complete disarray, it came as no shock that the team chose to part ways with star defensive end and former 11th overall pick J.J. Watt. Instead of trading Watt to recoup some draft capital, the team did him a favor by releasing him, giving the edge rusher the opportunity to explore all of his options on the open market.
Later that evening, a report indicated that a dozen teams are interested in Watt’s services. But one name that has been linked to Watt are the Green Bay Packers. Considering Watt is a Wisconsinite, Packers fans began their recruitment process on social media.
How does this sound?
— Eli Berkovits (@BookOfEli_NFL) February 12, 2021
The #Packers cut Preston Smith and sign JJ Watt.
New front four:
Za'Darius Smith
Kenny Clark
JJ Watt
Rashan Gary
See you in the Super Bowl 👋
Come on JJ WATT-take the vet. minimum to play with the Packers and you would be more loved in Wisconsin than beer.
— Steve HomerTrue (@espnhomer) February 12, 2021
As a minority owner of the Green Bay Packers, I believe we need to call a special session to discuss how to get JJ Watt to GB. Let’s pool our money and make it happen. #screwthecap
— Wade Crevier (@WadeCrevier) February 12, 2021
https://twitter.com/BigMack_4/status/1360246290458771462
As a kid from Wisconsin! Come home help the Packers get that ring 💍!!!
— TonyS, PT, MSPT (@GermanboyPT) February 12, 2021
My two fav football teams are the Packers and JJ Watt. I loved how much he loved the city of Houston and everything he did for it these past few years. I think he would look absolutely gorgeous in a green and gold jersey next year 🧀🧀 https://t.co/WDOUWEfwQv
— 🙋🏼♀️ (@RileySpen) February 12, 2021
Will the state of Wisconsin ever forgive the Packers front office if they do not sign JJ Watt? @SportsSturm
— Nick Olla (@Coach_Olla) February 12, 2021
Find a way @packers.....time to bring JJ Watt home.
— Jake Runyon (@jrunyon54) February 12, 2021
Watt coming home?
Packers fans definitely have “Coming Home” by P. Diddy playing on repeat ever since the news of Watt’s release broke.
Watt was born, raised and played high school football in Pewaukee, Wis. He would leave for Central Michigan to play tight end, but opted to play defensive end for the Wisconsin Badgers. The move was a wise one for Watt, as he accumulated 106 total tackles, 15 sacks, five passes defended and one interception. For his 2010 campaign, Watt was named a First-team All-American and First-team All-Big Ten.
Despite being booed by Texans fans in the 2011 NFL Draft, he turned into a face of the franchise. In 10 seasons at Houston, Watt recorded 172 tackles for loss,101 sacks and 25 forced fumbles, all of which are franchise records. That, and he was named a three-time Defensive Player of the Year, a five-time Pro Bowler and five-time First Team All-Pro.
If Watt is looking to compete for a Super Bowl, then the Packers are a fit. However, since they are ranked near the bottom in the league in available cap space, the front office will have to do some maneuvering and possibly convincing Watt to take a discount. But a homecoming could be too good to pass up for the Packers. Just ask their fans, who are pleading for it.