Dominate the Super Bowl-Chapter 1623 - 1622: Relentless Haunting

In the 2020 off-season, Brady bid farewell to the New England Patriots, and Watt parted ways with the Houston Texans, causing a huge sensation both inside and outside the league.

From that moment, the media had been anticipating this day: Brady facing the New England Patriots, and Watt going up against the Houston Texans—players who were once iconic figures for their teams now stood on the opposite side, preparing to defeat their former squads. The emotions involved are not simple.

Some might say it’s ultimately not the same, that Watt still cannot compare to Brady.

Brady brought five Super Bowl Championships to the New England Patriots, and his mentor-apprentice relationship with Belichick was akin to that of father and son, something Watt could never parallel, whether in terms of achievements or his relationship with O’Brien. There’s no comparison.

However, things are not that simple.

Even though Watt never brought a Super Bowl Championship to the Houston Texans, a team that was once on the margins with little presence in the league until Watt burst onto the scene, winning the Defensive Player of the Year award thrice in four years, single-handedly elevating the Texans into a competitive force and gaining countless fans.

It’s no exaggeration to say that without Watt, there would be no current Houston Texans, and losing Watt means the Texans must start over.

And the same goes for O’Brien.

Watt joined the Houston Texans in 2011, while O’Brien came in 2014. Watt had already won his first Defensive Player of the Year award in 2012, so there was no mentor-apprentice bond between them.

Yet, no one could deny that O’Brien truly understood Watt, maximizing his abilities and laying the foundation for Watt to win two consecutive Defensive Player of the Year awards in 2014 and 2015, truly transforming the Texans into a championship-contending team.

Not mentor and apprentice, but comrades through thick and thin.

Now, turned adversaries, it evokes much sigh.

"Battle of the Peers," major media outlets reported under such headlines, focusing on the season opener between the Houston Texans and the Kansas City Chiefs. Among all topics, the single regret was that this match was at Arrowhead Stadium and not Watt returning to NRG Stadium, making it ultimately different.

Nonetheless, the media emphasized that last season’s Conference Championship also took place here, where Watt nearly shed tears on the field; now, seven months later, stepping again on the same ground, Watt and the Texans stand on opposite sides fighting for different goals. 𝒻𝑟𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝑛𝘰𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝘤𝘰𝘮

At the pre-game press conference, it was rare that Li Wei was not the focus; Watt and O’Brien were.

Watt presented himself as rational and calm, having long anticipated this day, though it arrived slightly sooner than expected.

"I’m very excited and emotional; after all, that’s the team where I spent nine years of my career, and now, moving into the tenth year in the league, I face new challenges, filled with mixed feelings. That place holds my best and happiest memories and served as my foundation to become who I am today. I respect that team and those fans, and now, standing on the opposite side for a fresh start, it’s hard to describe my feelings accurately."

"Perhaps, only when the whistle finally blows will I understand my emotions."

Watt is still Watt: sincere and straightforward, even revealing a bit of vulnerability and complexity, openly accepting the spotlight.

As Li Wei said, without shame.

"Bill is an extraordinary coach; nobody understands the game better than he does. A big part of my career success owes to his guidance."

"But unquestionably, our relationship is one of professional colleagues; we both want to win, and we work for victory."

"The past is past, and we all clearly understand what today’s encounter means—victory. I know Bill will be fully prepared to avoid a repeat of the previous result on this field; likewise, I will also prepare, hoping to contribute within Andy’s tactical system."

Calm, restrained.

Watt refused to disparage the Houston Texans in any form before the media, even if they now stood on opposite sides and had to defeat each other. It didn’t mean he needed to completely sever his past. Watt still showed respect for O’Brien and the Texans.

The same was true for O’Brien. He understood the league’s internal rumors and knew how to maintain a powerful image before the cameras.

"... JJ is one of the greatest defensive players in NFL history. He will always be a part of Houston. We will never forget his contributions to the team. We worked together for six years and won many tough games. I respect JJ. He gave his all to this team and this city. I think there’s no need to say more; facts have proven everything. He always holds a place in Houston."

"I have no doubt about JJ maintaining professionalism, giving his all to win in the game. We’re very aware of his abilities; he has always been highly competitive and ready. He will be very strong in this game as well, and we need to prepare thoroughly."

Also calm, but within that calmness lay a sense of courtesy and detachment, a business-like facade with a perfect mask, O’Brien was prepared when the media inquired about rumors regarding his rift with Watt.

"I’ve heard those rumors, but I won’t respond to any baseless gossip. I’ve said JJ is a top defensive player, and we respect him greatly. Now he plays for another team, but this is a professional league, and we all understand how these things work."

"We will do our utmost to defeat him."

Restrained, detached, drawing boundaries, a tense air of impending storm filled the Texans’ atmosphere, with an especially serious demeanor.

It wasn’t just the two concerned parties; other Texans players and fans felt the same, simultaneously nostalgic for Watt and targeting him.

Watson showed a determined stance during the pre-game interview, "We will defeat him."

Despite the media repeatedly questioning about Watt, Watson stuck to one response.

It’s clear that Watson dislikes this situation; even though Watt has left, his presence is still felt in every corner of the locker room. But the issue is, Watt is no longer part of Houston; he is. He is Houston’s present and future; he should be the leader of the Houston locker room.

The focus of this game should be "Watson VS Li Wei," yet everything was disrupted by Watt—

Lingering like a shadow.

But Watson isn’t worried, as long as he can defeat Watt, along with Li Wei, the world will be quiet.

It’s all that simple, Watson stared directly into the camera, eyes sharp and determined.

"We. Will. Defeat. Them."