CBS Sports is kicking off its 66th season of NFL coverage with a notable new voice in the booth. J.J. Watt, the three-time Defensive Player of the Year and five-time Pro Bowler, will move from studio analysis to color commentator, pairing with Ian Eagle on CBS’s NFL on CBS as the network’s #2 broadcast team this season.
Watt expressed excitement about the switch, highlighting his chemistry with Eagle and the chance to explain the game in an engaging way for fans. Eagle, who has called NFL games for CBS for 27 years, said Watt’s preparation and knowledge will add depth to the broadcast, and that the team’s cohesion will come through on air with the help of CBS’ production crew, including Evan Washburn.
Watt has been transitioning to broadcasting during the last couple of seasons, working in the studio on The NFL Today alongside established broadcasters such as James Brown, Bill Cowher and Nate Burleson. He described the move as a natural progression and emphasized that he plans to share informed opinions that challenge viewers and spark thoughtful conversation.
The move comes as Jim Nantz and Tony Romo begin their ninth season together on CBS’s lead NFL broadcast. Watt’s elevation does not come at the expense of the network’s top team; CBS will continue with a four-person NFL Today pregame panel, which also features former NFL quarterback Matt Ryan, preserving space for the established on-air voices.
Watt’s new role also aligns with a broader reshaping of CBS’s broadcast teams. He is stepping into a role previously held by Charles Davis, who has been a fixture on CBS NFL broadcasts for five seasons. Davis will shift to lead college football analyst duties starting in 2026, when Gary Danielson retires. Davis will be part of CBS’s upcoming college football team alongside Andrew Catalon, Jason McCourty and AJ Ross.
In discussing the transition, Eagle praised Watt’s work ethic and said the collaboration will benefit from Watt’s football IQ and opinionated style. Watt, for his part, underscored that he is focused on this season and on maximizing his performance in the booth with Eagle, with no explicit long-term plan beyond enjoying the experience and connecting with fans in stadium environments.
Summary:
CBS Sports adds J.J. Watt to its NFL on CBS color commentary lineup, teaming with Ian Eagle on the #2 broadcast. The move shifts Watt from studio work to the broadcast booth, while Jim Nantz and Tony Romo continue leading the top team. The NFL Today pregame show remains a four-person panel, including Matt Ryan. Charles Davis will transition to lead college football analyst duties in 2026, paving the way for Watt’s NFL play-by-play presence and CBS’s ongoing evolution of its broadcast crews.
Additional notes:
– Watt’s background as a defensive star and his analytical approach could bring a fresh, player-focused perspective to game commentary.
– The collaboration with Eagle is positioned to emphasize cohesion, preparation, and engaging storytelling for fans.
– This season serves as a bridge between CBS’s current on-air leadership and its long-term broadcast planning, including Davis’s anticipated move to college football duties.