J.J. Watt Draws Strong Reaction With Change in Physical Appearance, Performance

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Andrew McCarty | Last updated Sep 8, 2025 10:42 AM ET

Shortly after the 2024 NFL season officially came to a close, CBS announced former NFL star J.J. Watt would be joining Emmy Award-winning play-by-play man Ian Eagle in the broadcast booth for the 2025 campaign.

"There is nothing better than the energy and excitement of being in the stadium on game day in the NFL," Watt said in a CBS Sports statement. "I couldn't pass up the opportunity to return to that atmosphere each week, working with one of the best in Ian. While I certainly miss delivering hits on the field, it will be nice to leave the stadium without taking any, unless Ian decides to try something crazy."

J.J. Watt Makes 2025 Debut in Jets-Steelers Game

Watt had a fitting first assignment as part of the broadcast pairing with Eagle, calling Sunday's thrilling matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Jets. The Hall of Fame defensive lineman watched as his younger brother, T.J. Watt, and the Steelers won a high-scoring 34-32 affair at MetLife Stadium.

Watt and Eagle first caught attention with the massive difference in size between the two men, which the play-by-play man joked about when he said, "Fortunately we wear the same size, so we can just switch blazers at halftime."

The Ian Eagle JJ Watt side by side is actually hilarious pic.twitter.com/cAaV4SjsUJ
— Cassidy Wood (@CassidyWoodTV) September 7, 2025

Watt received a warm welcome from those who watched at home, praising his ability in the broadcast booth.

"JJ Watt crushed it today. Sharp, entertaining, and not the slightest bit of a homer. CBS putting him with Ian Eagle was a masterstroke. That’s an elite broadcast team," ESPN radio host Jake Asman said.

"Might be the best color commentator already. No exaggeration. Called an excellent game today," added former NFL player Trai Essex.

J.J. Watt Steals Attention With New Hairstyle

Watt's performance in the broadcast booth wasn't the only thing catching attention from fans, who noticed he grew out his hair a bit longer for the 2025 season.