Watt ‘can’t wait’ to get going
Watt beyond eager for first game after missing most of season
Texans defensive end J.J. Watt is so excited to play in a regularseason game for the first time in almost a year that he might need a paper sack to help him breathe.
When the Texans begin their regular season Sunday against Jacksonville at NRG Stadium, Watt will be playing for the first time since Sept. 22 when his back gave out at New England, forcing him to undergo season-ending surgery.
“I’m going to try not to hyperventilate,” Watt said before practice Wednesday. “It’s going to be incredible.
“From a football standpoint, I miss the adrenalin rush. I miss running out of that tunnel. I miss playing. I can’t wait.” And Watt’s legion of fans can’t wait, either. Imagine the cacophony he’ll create when he runs onto the field, perhaps waving a Texas flag, before the first game of a season the Texans have dedicated to Houston and all those who are suffering from the extensive flooding from Hurricane Harvey.
Fans will erupt with an ear-piercing ovation to show Watt how pumped they are to have him back on the field and how appreciative they are for his inspirational leadership in the hurricane relief effort.
“It’s going to be a special day,” Watt said. “For three hours, we want to take people’s minds off everything that’s happened. We want to give them an escape.
“Our guys are going to give everything we have to make sure to put a smile on this city’s face and to give them something to cheer about.”
Watt’s hurricane relief effort — bringing in more than $28 million after H-EB donated $5 million and Jimmy Fallon $1 million — has earned him nationwide praise and made him the favorite to win the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award after the season. Maintaining balance
Like his coaches and teammates, Watt knows the Texans can be part of Houston’s healing process. He’s focused on football and balancing his preparation for Jacksonville with his relief effort.
“That’s exactly what it is, a balance,” he said. “I’ve had a foundation my whole career, and I’ve been doing things like this my whole career, but, obviously, not on this scale.
“When I’m in meetings, at practice, in the weight room — that’s where 100 percent of my focus is. But as soon as meetings end, as soon as the practice is over, I’m back to making sure I do everything I can for this relief fund to help these people because that’s what’s important.
“I’ve said the whole time this is so much bigger than a game, but I also realize the game can help lift people’s spirits, so I’m very committed to both things. I know I can divide my time evenly.”
In the two games in which Watt was healthy last season, the Texas were 2-0, and they had nine sacks.
The coaches expect more of the same from the three-time winner of the NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award.
“I can go by what I’ve seen in practice,” coach Bill O’Brien said. “He’s fully healthy, and he had an excellent preseason.
“I think I’ve said this a thousand times, but it’s hard to describe what it’s like to block him. It’s been very difficult. I would expect him to be his usual self and play very well.”
Which could bad news for the Jaguars.
With Watt, Whitney Mercilus, Jadeveon Clowney and Benardrick McKinney, the Texans have four dangerous pass rushers to get after quarterback Blake Bortles.
“I’m going into this game extremely confident,” Watt said. “I’m going into this game with a ton of energy, with a ton of excitement. I feel very good about where I (am) going into this game.” Back on schedule
Watt has talked numerous times about how important it is for him to get eight hours of sleep. Since he began his relief effort, he’s been sleep deprived, but no more.
“I’ve adjusted my schedule back to a more proper sleep schedule because it’s a game week (and) I know exactly what I need,” he said. “Admittedly, the last week and a half was a lot less sleep than I’m used to.
“But I’m very fortunate to have a good team around me that can help take some of that off my plate because we know how important it is for my body being ready for the game.”
Watt said he hasn’t been distracted getting ready for the Jaguars and that his attention will be focused on the game.
“It’s not fair to anybody if I’m not all the way there, and I am,” he said. “It would be unfair to my teammates.
“It’s (preparation for Jacksonville) been really good. My body feels great. My mind feels good. It feels awesome to be playing football again.”