Sports
J.J. Watt Joins CBS NFL Coverage as New Game Analyst
NEW YORK, NY — In a significant shakeup for CBS Sports, J.J. Watt has been named the new game analyst for the network’s NFL coverage, starting in the 2025 season. This appointment follows the announcement that veteran commentator Gary Danielson will retire after 36 seasons, marking the end of an era in college football broadcasting.
Watt, a former NFL defensive star, confirmed the news via social media, expressing his enthusiasm for returning to a game-day atmosphere. “There is nothing better than the energy and excitement of being in the stadium on game day in the NFL,” Watt said. “I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to return to that atmosphere each week, working with one of the best in Ian [Eagle].”
The transition comes as CBS restructures its broadcasting team. Charles Davis will be promoted to replace Danielson in the lead college football booth alongside Brad Nessler, effective in 2026. Until then, Davis will continue to contribute to CBS’s NFL coverage before shifting full-time to college football.
Davis’s involvement in NFL broadcasts will bridge the gap as Watt takes over the role that Davis previously held as a color commentator. CBS Sports President and CEO David Berson praised Danielson’s legacy, stating, “Gary is simply one of the greatest college football analysts ever. We can’t thank him enough; he will always be part of the CBS Sports family and wish him the best in retirement.”
Watt’s move to the NFL booth follows a successful tenure as a studio analyst for CBS’s “NFL Today.” Before joining CBS, he worked alongside Ian Eagle for a Netflix broadcast of the NFL’s Christmas Day game, showcasing an effective on-air partnership.
While speculations have arisen about Eagle potentially moving to Amazon’s Thursday Night Football, CBS has strong reasons to retain him due to his prominent role in the network’s March Madness coverage. Berson noted that Watt’s energy and insights would now be brought to the booth to engage fans.
“JJ is one of the greatest players in the history of the NFL, and a future Hall of Famer,” Berson added. “Over the last two years, he’s connected with fans through his passion, insight, and desire to truly have fun.”
The 2025 season marks a pivotal year for CBS Sports, as it adjusts to the new landscape of college football with its shifted focus to the Big Ten and bolsters its NFL coverage with Watt’s expertise. Fans can expect an exciting new dynamic with Watt and Eagle as they kick off this fall.
