When it comes to the greatest defensive players in Green Bay Packers history, one of the first names that comes to mind is Reggie White. And who knows — even if it would have only been for a short stint — maybe J.J. Watt could have added his name to that list, too.
White, of course, spent six seasons in Green Bay while helping lead the Packers to a Super Bowl title in 1997. He racked up 68.5 sacks with the Packers, finishing his career with 198 overall.
Micah Parsons, despite suffering a torn ACL in Week 15 against the Denver Broncos, is now getting the chance to live out that dream of becoming this generation’s version of Reggie White in Green Bay. The Packers went out of their way to make a blockbuster trade with the Dallas Cowboys to make that happen.
But Watt could have followed a similar path — if he’d ever been given the chance.
J.J. Watt Really Wanted To Sign With the Packers
Appearing on “The Pat McAfee Show” on December 17, the now–CBS NFL analyst revealed he had wanted to play for the Packers after hitting free agency.
After spending 10 seasons with the Houston Texans, Watt said he told his agent that Green Bay was his preferred destination but he never heard back from them.
“I wanted to play for the Packers in free agency. I wanted to go to Green Bay. They were not interested. That’s where I wanted to go,” Watt told McAfee. “I told my agent, ‘I don’t care what the number is. I don’t care how low it is. Tell me what it is so I can at least consider it. I’m not saying there’s a guarantee to take it, but if it’s $2 million, $4 million — whatever the number is — put it in front of me so I can consider it against the other options.’ And they said, ‘We can’t get a number.’”
Watt said the appeal was obvious. He’s from Pewaukee, Wisconsin — about 134 miles south of Green Bay and ended up attending the University of Wisconsin.
“That’s where I grew up. That’s where I watched Reggie White. That would be incredible,” Watt said.
J.J. Watt Would Have Taken Pay Cut To Sign With Packers
Watt didn’t mince words when admitting he would have taken a hometown discount to play for his childhood team.
“I can tell you without question right now, $5 million would have gotten it done, but they didn’t make an offer,” Watt said.
Watt earned more than $100 million during his 10 seasons in Houston from 2011 to 2020. When he reached free agency in 2021, he signed a two-year, $28 million deal with the Arizona Cardinals before retiring the following season at age 33.
His final year was still productive. Watt recorded 12.5 sacks — his fourth-highest single-season total — along with 39 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, and a forced fumble.
It’s hard not to wonder what could have been. Watt would have instantly become a fan favorite in Green Bay. But concerns over age and previous injuries likely made the Packers hesitate — a decision that still feels surprising in hindsight.
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