HOUSTON – The next chapter in the broadcasting career of retired Texans star J.J. Watt: a move from the studio to the game booth.
Watt is the new game analyst for CBS Sports games’ No. 2 broadcasting team, partnering with play-by-play announcer Ian Eagle.
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A three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year and former Texans first-round draft pick from Wisconsin, Watt retired in 2022 from football. He has worked for CBS’ ‘The NFL Today’ program for the last two years.
Now, the former Walter Payton Man of the Year is teaming up with Emmy Award winner Ian Eagle.
“There is nothing better than the energy and excitement of being in the stadium on game day in the NFL,” Watt said. “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.”
The move comes as Gary Danielson is retiring and Charles Davis heads becomes CBS’ lead college football analyst.
“JJ is one of the greatest players in the history of the NFL, and a future Hall of Famer,” said David Berson, President and CEO of CBS Sports. “Over the last two years – as a studio analyst and on social media – he’s connected with fans through his passion, insight and desire to truly have fun. We can’t wait for him to now entertain viewers as a game analyst. Listening to JJ and Ian together each week will be a real treat for NFL fans.”
J.J. Watt @JJWatt makes the move from studio to game analyst with Ian Eagle for @NFLonCBS https://t.co/dVMqjVFkDz
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) March 26, 2025
Watt, who correctly predicted the Texans would turn around the franchise under the leadership of former teammate DeMeco Ryans, is eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2028. Named a Ring of Honor member in 2023, Watt is expected to be a first-ballot selection and join former teammate Andre Johnson in Canton as the second Texans player in franchise history to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com.
