JJ Watt lands new NFL broadcasting job

JJ Watt is moving from his studio analyst job to a new NFL media gig for the 2025 season.

Watt will become a game analyst for CBS Sports in 2025, according to Andrew Marchand of The Athletic. The former star pass rusher will take over the role on CBS’ No. 2 NFL broadcast team, pairing him with play-by-play announcer Ian Eagle.

Charles Davis had previously been paired with Eagle on NFL broadcasts. Davis will take over as CBS’ lead college football analyst starting in 2026 following Gary Danielson’s retirement, with his role for 2025 still to be determined.

Watt certainly appears to be a rising star in the broadcasting industry. He made his debut as a game analyst for Netflix’s Christmas Day game coverage last year and clearly enjoyed it. His placement on the No. 2 broadcast team suggests CBS likes his work and thinks he has great potential, as the role will ensure he gets to work some pretty significant games.

Watt retired from playing following the 2022 season. He finished his career with 114.5 career sacks, and is a sure bet for the Pro Football Hall of Fame once he becomes eligible.

The 36-year-old has been with CBS since his retirement, having worked as a studio analyst for “The NFL Today” over the last two years. He had jokingly been teasing an NFL comeback recently. This is not what he meant, but it does mean he will be in a more visible role with the league going forward.