Report indicates J.J. Watt wants a part-time TV role
Former Houston Texans and Arizona Cardinals defensive end J.J. Watt is now retired, but he’s not leaving the game for good.
According to New York Post reporter Andrew Marchand, Watt has several networks offering him deals to participate in various broadcasts. However, it’s reportedly unlikely that the new dad commits to a role that amounts to a full-time gig.
NBC, CBS and NFL Network are the three major networks interested in Watt’s talents, and according to Marchand, CBS is the favorite.
A report from Awful Announcing last month revealed that NBC had Watt in mind for a role broadcasting a Big Ten road show, as well as Sunday Night Football coverage.
The former NFL defensive MVP has shown signs of wanting to stay active in the media space since announcing his retirement last season. He recently took suggestions from fans about what topics they’d have interest in him discussing on a potential podcast.
While Tom Brady is stepping into a full-time broadcasting role with FOX next season, Watt is more likely to take on a job that more similarly resembles Peyton or Eli Manning‘s with ESPN.
During his NFL career, Watt totaled 586 tackles, 114.5 sacks, two interceptions and three touchdowns. Although injuries became a problem the last couple of years, he finished his career on a bounce-back year, with 39 tackles and 12.5 sacks.
In 2022, he had a cardiac event that required medical attention but he returned to the field right away. He went into atrial fibrillation and had his heart shocked back into rhythm two days before playing a game. It’s unclear whether his medical issue sparked his intent to retire from playing.
Watt joining Texans Ring of Honor
The Houston Texans announced last week that Watt will join the franchise’s Ring of Honor this season.
The Ring of Honor induction ceremony will be on Oct. 1, 2023. It will be a family affair as the Texans host the Pittsburgh Steelers, led defensively by Watt’s younger brother T.J. Watt.
Watt retired from the game after his 12th NFL season. He started out with the Houston Texans, playing from 2011-20, before arriving in Arizona ahead of the 2021 season. He’ll join former Texans receiving legend Andre Johnson and Robert McNair in the Ring of Honor.
A three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, he appeared in five Pro Bowls, earned five All-Pro selections and won the 2017 Walter Payton Man of the Year award, among his many accolades.
One of the biggest things Watt did for Houston wasn’t on the football field. After Hurricane Harvey struck the city, Watt’s Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund raised over $41.6 million for rebuilding efforts.
The Texans drafted Watt with the No. 11 overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft after an impressive career at Wisconsin following a transfer from Central Michigan.