As the Super Bowl 58 descends upon us, with the San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs ready to clash, CBS Sports is showcasing a familiar face in a new light. J.J. Watt, the former Texans star and NFL standout, has swapped the chaos of the gridiron for the analytical quiet of the broadcast booth. "If I knew all I had to do is retire how to get to the Super Bowl, I would have done it a whole lot sooner," Watt quipped in a statement obtained by KENS 5. After hanging up his cleats following the 2022 season, Watt announced his transition to broadcasting, a move mirroring the likes of other former NFL greats.
Watt’s leap into media is not been without its moments. He once joked about his rocky start, "Little pro tip for anyone out there starting a new job: don’t screw up the announcement," referencing his social media blunder where he mistyped CBS as CVS, reported MSN. Despite the minor gaffe, Watt has been riding a wave of early success, with former NFL quarterback Boomer Esiason saying, "In all honesty, he's a natural" during a visit before the season, as per information acquired by KENS 5.
Counting accolades like three-time Defensive Player of the Year and being a part of the NFL’s 2010s All-Decade team, Watt carries a wealth of experience under his belt - and CBS has been wise to tap into that. As for his first Super Bowl out from under the helmet, Watt is sticking to what he knows best, "Days I don’t say anything stupid on the air," he told MSN, when asked about his definition of a win in the booth.
Throughout the Super Bowl Sunday, Watt will be stretching his newfound broadcasting muscles, involved in the pregame, halftime, and post-game shows - all partaking on CBS. His insider knowledge, especially of the 49ers whom he faced while playing for the Arizona Cardinals, offers viewers a special edge. "I feel that will be knowledgeable and helpful for the viewers," Watt said, understanding the challenge these dynamic offenses pose according to a KENS 5 interview. With the big game airing live on KHOU 11 at 5:30 p.m., football fans can look forward to insights from one of the games most astute former warriors, now leading from the sidelines, albeit in a suit and tie.
