JJ Watt Signs Multiyear Contract Extension as CBS Lead NFL Analyst
The former defensive star secured his permanent role in the top broadcast booth alongside Jim Nantz and Tracy Wolfson.
Former NFL star JJ Watt has signed a multiyear agreement to remain the lead NFL game analyst for CBS Sports, the network announced. Watt stepped into the premier broadcasting role earlier this season, working alongside play-by-play announcer Jim Nantz and sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson.
David Berson, the Chairman of CBS and Skydance’s Sports Division, delivered the news to Watt, securing the former player's position as the permanent lead analyst. Berson praised Watt's dedication, calling him insightful, entertaining, and meticulous in his preparation.
“It’s an incredible honor and it’s humbling,” Watt said in a video posted to social media. “There’s only five seats that get to do this. I appreciate their trust in me, and I have an absolute blast doing it every single week, and I cannot wait to continue to do it.”
Watt joined CBS Sports in 2023 as a studio analyst on "The NFL Today" following a stellar 12-year professional career spent mostly with the Houston Texans and concluding with the Arizona Cardinals. He transitioned to the broadcast booth in 2025, initially covering games on the network's second broadcast team alongside Ian Eagle and Evan Washburn.
His promotion to the top broadcast team followed structural changes at the network earlier this year. Watt and Nantz have quickly developed a dynamic on-air partnership, highlighted by a recent viral moment in the booth where Watt demonstrated a ball-security technique, accidentally leading to a minor scare regarding Nantz's wrist.
Looking ahead, the newly solidified broadcast trio is slated to anchor CBS Sports' coverage of Super Bowl LXII, which will take place in Atlanta. Watt joins an elite group of analysts who have held the prominent position at the network since 1981, following in the footsteps of John Madden, Phil Simms, and Tony Romo.
Reflecting on his rapid ascent in sports broadcasting, Watt expressed enthusiasm for the future. "I’ll see you on Sunday, and I’ll see you at the Super Bowl next year," Watt said.