Although J.J. Watt never suited up for the Cincinnati Bengals during his illustrious NFL career, the former Defensive Player of the Year says he has always shared a unique bond with the franchise and the city. As the 2026 season approaches, Watt reflected on that long-standing relationship while making an appearance in Cincinnati.
Watt built one of the most accomplished defensive careers in modern NFL history, spending the majority of his 12 seasons with the Houston Texans before finishing his playing days with the Arizona Cardinals. Even without wearing a Bengals uniform, Cincinnati has remained a place he says has been closely connected to his football journey.
Speaking during his visit, Watt described the unusual relationship that has developed between himself and the Bengals over the years. While he could not fully explain why, he acknowledged that Cincinnati has repeatedly become part of his NFL story despite never playing for the organization.
His visit also gave him an opportunity to discuss the Bengals’ outlook for the upcoming season. Watt believes Cincinnati has taken meaningful steps to improve its roster and remains confident the franchise has the talent necessary to compete in the AFC.
1. Watt Describes an Unexpected Connection
During his appearance in Cincinnati, Watt shared that he has long felt an unexpected connection with both the city and the Bengals organization. Despite spending his entire career elsewhere, he said the relationship has developed naturally over many years.
According to Watt, Cincinnati has consistently been intertwined with different stages of his NFL career. While he admitted he cannot fully explain the connection, he said it has become something he has recognized and appreciated over time.
Although fans often associate Watt with the Texans and later the Cardinals, his comments highlighted the respect he has developed for the Bengals organization and its passionate fan base. That admiration has continued even after his retirement from professional football.
His remarks were well received by Bengals supporters, many of whom have long admired Watt’s accomplishments despite never seeing him play in Cincinnati. The visit reinforced the mutual respect between one of the NFL’s greatest defenders and one of the league’s most recognizable franchises.
2. Confidence in Cincinnati’s Direction
Beyond reflecting on his personal connection to the city, Watt also evaluated the Bengals’ current roster. He believes Cincinnati addressed one of its biggest weaknesses by strengthening the defensive side of the ball during the offseason.
Watt specifically pointed to the addition of defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence as a move that could significantly improve the team’s defense. He noted that strengthening that unit was one of the organization’s biggest priorities after last season’s disappointing results.
He also emphasized the importance of having quarterback Joe Burrow leading the offense. Watt believes elite quarterback play gives any NFL team a legitimate opportunity to compete, and Burrow’s presence keeps Cincinnati firmly in the conversation despite recent struggles.
Improving the defense while maintaining one of the league’s top quarterbacks could help the Bengals become a far more balanced team. If those improvements translate onto the field, Cincinnati could quickly return to playoff contention.
3. Bengals Looking to Rebound in 2026
The Bengals enter the new season determined to bounce back after a disappointing 2025 campaign. Cincinnati finished with a 6-11 record and failed to qualify for the postseason, falling well short of the organization’s expectations.
Despite those struggles, optimism remains high entering 2026. The Bengals retained continuity on the coaching staff while several division rivals experienced leadership changes, giving Cincinnati an opportunity to build on an established foundation.
The franchise’s primary objective remains returning to the Super Bowl. With Burrow leading the offense and improvements expected on defense, the Bengals believe they possess the talent needed to compete with the AFC’s strongest teams.
Watt’s confidence in Cincinnati reflects that growing optimism. While he no longer plays in the NFL, his experience and perspective carry weight, and he believes the Bengals have the pieces necessary to become one of the conference’s top contenders once again.