J.J. Watt is fed up with the over-analyzation of NFL training camp.
The five-time All-Pro defensive end took to X on Thursday and eviscerated members of sports media who are tracking stats during the preseason.
“Training Camp ‘stats‘ are insane and ridiculous,” Watt posted. “Used to think it was always just people joking, but now seeing them seriously reported. You have no idea what the purpose of that period is, what the goals are, what the context is, etc.
“It could be a strictly 3rd & Long blitz period where every play is skewed to the defenses advantage. Coaches could be asking the QB to focus specifically on one route concept. DLine may be focusing only on bull rushes one day or just speed rushes for one period.”
Watt, 36, added that people covering training camp need to take into account how it serves for players’ growth for the start of the season.
“More importantly, practice is for practicing. You’re supposed to fail. You’re supposed to try new things, see what works and what doesn’t work, etc. If you only do what works, you’ll never grow, adapt, change.
“The entire point of training camp is to build and grow towards the season so that you perform your best when the real games start.”
Watt’s statements were generally received well by some in the sports world, with Giants host John Schmeekl saying, “I cannot find a large enough number to amplify this by,” in response.
“This,” Zak Keefer of The Athletic replied. “Tip: don’t overreact to training camp tweets. Read actual stories (which have context).”
Watt himself has shifted into sports media following his 12-year NFL career, with the three-time Defensive Player of the Year set to be an in-game analyst alongside Ian Eagle for CBS Sports for this upcoming season.
“There is nothing better than the energy and excitement of being in the stadium on game day in the NFL,” Watt said in a statement. “I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to return to that atmosphere each week, working with one of the best in Ian.
“While I certainly miss delivering hits on the field, it will be nice to leave the stadium without taking any, unless Ian decides to try something crazy.”