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Former NFL defensive end J.J. Watt is currently weighing multiple offers to become a TV analyst, according to a report by Andrew Marchand of the New York Post.
Watt, who retired after the 2022 season, is possibly considering joining TV networks for the upcoming football season.
During his career, Watt was widely recognized as one of the league’s premier pass rushers. Playing for the Houston Texans, he had several outstanding seasons, including four with at least 16 sacks.
In his dominant 2012 campaign, Watt recorded an impressive 39 tackles for a loss and 20.5 sacks, establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with for opposing tackles. He was also honored as the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year on three separate occasions.
Watt finished the final two seasons of his career with Arizona Cardinals, closing his last year with an outstanding 12.5 sack season.
Now, as he enters retirement, Watt finds himself with a multitude of options for his next career move. CBS appears to be the frontrunner to secure his services, potentially offering him a part-time role initially.
However, both NBC and the NFL Network have also expressed interest in adding Watt to their respective analyst teams.
If Watt were to join CBS, he would be joining their existing group of analysts rather than replacing anyone, giving him flexibility in terms of his involvement and schedule. Marchand describes this arrangement as having an “elastic deadline,” allowing Watt to balance his new role with other potential endeavors.
Previously, NBC was reported to have targeted Watt for its Big Ten TV coverage. However, it is uncertain whether Watt is fully committed to transitioning into the TV world so soon after retirement.
Following his decision to retire in January, Watt took to Twitter to discuss his potential future plans, revealing that he had not previously considered a career in TV but would be open to it due to his deep love for the game.
While TV analysis remains a possibility, Watt has also explored other avenues for his retirement. He has considered starting a podcast with his brother, T.J. Watt, and recently became a minority owner of the Burnley Football Club in England alongside his wife, Kealia.
As the fall approaches and football season draws near, J.J. Watt finds himself at a crossroads, with multiple offers on the table and various paths to consider for his post-playing career.