Former Arizona Cardinals defensive end J.J. Watt had a Hall of Fame career on the field, and now he will have the chance to show his stuff as an NFL game analyst. Watt, who played his final two seasons with the Cardinals, will become a CBS Sports game analyst along with play-by-play man Ian Eagle […]
Former Arizona Cardinals defensive end J.J. Watt had a Hall of Fame career on the field, and now he will have the chance to show his stuff as an NFL game analyst.
Watt, who played his final two seasons with the Cardinals, will become a CBS Sports game analyst along with play-by-play man Ian Eagle for the 2025 season.
Being paired with Eagle is a prized duty for Watt. Eagle is a star broadcaster at CBS, calling games on the network since 1998. He will be on the call for the men’s Final Four and national championship game this weekend.
Watt, who retired after the 2022 season, had been in a studio role the past two seasons with CBS.
From stadium to studio to stadium
Watt was insightful in the studio. He has a large media portfolio with appearances in movies and commercials. He seems comfortable in front of a camera and working a microphone.
“There is nothing better than the energy and excitement of being in the stadium on game day in the NFL,” Watt said in a CBS news release.
“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.”
Watt will replace Charles Davis, who has been an analyst with Eagle since 2020. Davis will become CBS’ lead college football analyst in 2026. Davis will remain on Eagle’s CBS broadcast team in 2025.
On the field
Watt’s first 10 seasons were with the Houston Texans. The defensive end played 23 games for the Cardinals, with 66 tackles, 36 quarterback hits and 13.5 sacks, 12.5 in his final season.
With the Texans, he started 151 games. He had 531 tackles, 172 for loss and 101 sacks.
“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, in a news release.
