Moore: Are we sure J.J. Watt announced his retirement?

No. Nope. Nuh-uh. No stinkin’ way.

I’m not going to believe JJ Watt is retiring until I see it — or don’t see it — with my own two eyes.

Watt, one of the most dominant football players to ever strap on a helmet, sent the NFL world into a frenzy on Tuesday with a tweet that most everyone is taking as a retirement announcement.

He posted a picture taken Sunday with his newborn son, along with a simple statement that read: “Koa’s first ever NFL game.

“My last ever NFL home game.

“My heart is filled with nothing but love and gratitude. It’s been an absolute honor and a pleasure.”

Nowhere in that text did he use the word “retire.” It could just be that he’s sick of losing home games. The Cardinals are just 4-12 at State Farm Stadium during Watt’s time in the Valley. (We’re not going to count Mexico City as a “home” game, OK?)

Read more: NFL world reacts to J.J. Watt's retirement announcement

Maybe Watt plans to negotiate a new contract that will only require him to play in road games? He did have a 3-sack game up in Denver a couple of weeks ago.

If this is the end, it’s a continuation of a troubling trend that goes back to Larry Fitzgerald fading from the spotlight two years ago.

The game’s greats are leaving without giving fans a chance to say goodbye.

I still hope Fitz will come back to play one more game, and I’m holding out hope that Watt will change his mind if this was a retirement announcement.

I’m in denial because I didn’t get a chance to grieve, a key part of which is a proper farewell.

This is in no way as serious as mourning a death, but there are parallels. When someone goes suddenly, it’s harder to process than when someone passes away after a long illness.

As my father says, it’s one thing to be disappointed; it’s something else to be disappointed and surprised.

Of course with Watt, maybe we shouldn’t be too shocked. He did have to have his heart restarted this season. He never missed a game, but that kind of thing would cause anyone to re-evaluate their priorities.

And he has started a family. Could be that the rigors of an NFL season aren’t as rewarding as the chance to watch his little guy learn to burp and pass gas and roll over and do all the things that little ones do before they grow up, which any good parent will tell you happens far too fast.

Somers: J.J. Watt did his job; same can't be said of Cardinals management

Could be he has nothing left to prove. He’s a five-time All-Pro. A three-time defensive player of the year. He’s one of only 19 players to notch a 20-sack season. He’s one of only two players (Deacon Jones) to record 20 sacks in a season more than once.

Could be that playing football just hurts. How many more times can we expect him to have his arm ripped out of the socket at the shoulder only to heal it faster than you can say “Wolverine of the X-Men” to get back on the field for a playoff game?

Regardless of Watt’s reasons, it’s a loss for all of us.

Watt is the example of what discipline, diligence and dedication can accomplish.

The guy started off as a nobody at Central Michigan, transformed himself into a monster at Wisconsin and never let up. He unleashed terror on offensive linemen like every Sunday was Halloween for more than a decade. Yeah, he had some injuries, but it’s the NFL, who doesn’t? And besides, the intensity with which he played represents an unprecedented level of stress on joints, muscles and tendons.

If his body had been as strong as his mind, he’d have broken almost every defensive record there is to set.

We don’t have enough examples of guys who will themselves to greatness.

Larry Fitzgerald was one. He’s gone now. Kurt Warner was another. His playing days ended before I was able to see him in person.

And now Watt.

Could be it’s just time.

But I’m not going to believe it until I see it — or don’t see it — with my own two eyes.

Here’s hoping he comes back, just to dominate road games.

But if it is the end, it’s been a pleasure watching him do his job. The “absolute honor and pleasure” has been ours, J.J.

Somers: Arizona Cardinals nearing end of their most bizarre season in the desert

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Moore: Are we sure J.J. Watt announced his retirement from the NFL?