Former NFL star J.J. Watt, who pitched in on CBS Sports NFL broadcasts this season as the network parted ways with Tony Romo, has moved from a temporary to a permanent role.
The top CBS Sports NFL broadcast team and the network announced the multi-year contract extension on Thursday. Watt will continue working as the lead in-game analyst with play-by-play announcer Jim Nantz and sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson. The Skydance Global Sports Group, the parent division that runs CBS Sports, released a statement from chairman David Berson about the Watt signing.
“I’ve had a front-row seat to J.J.’s growth as a top-tier broadcaster, watching him tackle this role just like he did his hall-of-fame playing career,” Berson said. “He’s insightful, entertaining, passionate, meticulous in his preparation, and the ultimate teammate. He has a unique ability to see things and communicate to fans of all levels. We are thrilled to have him leading our NFL coverage.”
J.J. Watt Calls Opportunity an Honor
A former three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Watt brings a unique perspective to the game from his 12-year NFL career. Former NFL players in broadcasting are largely dominated by quarterbacks.
“I am incredibly honored and grateful to have the opportunity to represent CBS Sports and all of the fantastic people who make this place so special,” Watt said in a statement on Thursday. “From the brotherhood of THE NFL TODAY to my crews calling games, I couldn’t ask for better teammates alongside me on this television journey. I am thankful to David Berson for his leadership, vision and trust. I love this job and can’t wait to see ya Sunday with Jim and Tracy and many more Sundays to come!”
Watt played for the Houston Texans and Arizona Cardinals, and he made five Pro Bowls, five first-team All-Pro honors and led the league in sacks twice. He tallied 114.5 sacks, 586 tackles, 27 forced fumbles, 17 fumble recoveries and 70 pass deflections in his career.
CBS Sports an Early Fit for J.J. Watt
Watt retired after the 2022 season and joined CBS Sports as a studio analyst in 2023 for The NFL Today show. He entered the in-game broadcast booth in 2025 when he served as the analyst for CBS Sports’ second game announcing team with Ian Eagle and sideline reporter Evan Washburn.
Watt was well-liked in the studio, and his football knowledge and wit carried over to in-game broadcasting. The Wisconsin native won over fans for his detail and delivery.
In only six weeks, Watt has shown strong chemistry with Nantz and Wolfson. The opportunity for Watt will only grow, as the network will broadcast the 2028 Super Bowl in Atlanta.
Football Career Had Humble Beginnings
The eldest of three boys, Watt grew up in Pewaukee, Wisconsin. As a youth he played hockey with traveling teams that played internationally in Canada and Germany, but his focus shifted to football in the fifth grade.
Watt became a prep football star at Pewaukee as both a tight end and defensive end, and that led to a year with Central Michigan as a two-star recruit in 2007. After a solid season with the Chippewas, he walked on with Wisconsin, where he won the Lott IMPACT Trophy in 2010 and became an All-American the same year.
The Texans drafted him with the No. 11 pick in the draft, and he made Houston his NFL home for 10 seasons. His younger brothers also made it to the NFL: T.J. Watt and Derek Watt, who both have been with the Pittsburgh Steelers during their careers.
