JJ Watt, who joined CBS Sports in 2023 as studio analyst on THE NFL TODAY, will become an NFL ON CBS game analyst beginning this season. After just one season Watt has been promoted to be part of the the networks number two broadcast team with Ian Eagle for Sunday games.
Watt was a great player with both the Texans and the Cardinals during his 11 year NFL career. He was a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year and the 2017 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year.
CBS has had great luck at adding players who steps off the field after their retirement and right to the network. It was CBS that added Tony Romo to the number one broadcast team with Jim Nantz and it was a success. So, Watt going into the booth after just one season should be a surprise to no one.
Watt made the announcement first on his social media platforms.
"There is nothing better than the energy and excitement of being in the stadium on game day in the NFL," said Watt. "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."
"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, 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."
Watt worked on THE NFL TODAY, CBS Sports' pregame, halftime and postgame studio show, for two seasons alongside James Brown, Bill Cowher, Nate Burleson and Matt Ryan.
This week CBS Sports announced that Charles Davis would be the replacement Gary Danielson who will be retiring at the end of the 2025 season. He will join Brad Nessler on the networks college football broadcasts.
Davis will remain a member of the NFL ON CBS announce team this season but his new partner has yet to be named. Prior to joining CBS, Davis had stints with ESPN and ABC as part of a 36-year broadcasting
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This story was originally published March 27, 2025 at 9:46 AM.