CBS Sports is beefing up its NFL commentary lineup and has added a former football star.
On Wednesday, March 26, Paramount Express announced that J.J. Watt will be an NFL analyst for the 2025 season and partner with famed play-by-play commentator Ian Eagle on the network's team No. 2.
Related to the announcement, Charles Davis, Eagle's former partner on the network, will head to the college side of things and take the place of Gary Danielson, who CBS has announced will retire after the 2025 season. Danielson, 73, has been in broadcasting for 36 years.
"I have had the greatest seat in the house for 36 years and have loved every minute of it," Danielson said in a statement.
David Berson, President and CEO, CBS Sports, released an enthusiastic statement regarding the Watt news.
"JJ is one of the greatest players in the history of the NFL, and a future Hall of Famer," he said. "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."
Berson added, "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."
Watt sounds equally pumped for his new adventure.
"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."
He added, "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."
Watt also responded to the news by sharing a funny exchange of texts with Eagle on X.
New partnership is off to a hot start… @NFLonCBSpic.twitter.com/EZk1eI2fd8
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) March 26, 2025
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This story was originally published March 26, 2025 at 2:46 PM.