J. J. Watt debuts new hairstyle during CBS commentary debut
Former NFL defensive standout joins Ian Eagle in the broadcast booth for Jets‑Steelers game; fans notice a departure from his signature crew cut
J. J. Watt drew notice from NFL fans Sunday when he made his debut in the CBS broadcast booth and revealed a new hairstyle that departed from the crew cut he wore throughout his playing career.
Watt joined Ian Eagle on the call for the New York Jets‑Pittsburgh Steelers game as part of CBS Sports’ expanding roster of analysts. The network described the look as “feathered and lethal,” a visible change from the shorter style fans have long associated with the three‑time Defensive Player of the Year.
Watt, who retired after the 2022 NFL season, signed with CBS Sports as an analyst and was announced earlier this year as a color commentator for games beginning in the 2025 season. On Sunday, he appeared in the booth in advance of that role, offering analysis alongside Eagle. Watt’s brother, T. J. Watt, is a member of the Steelers and was a subject of discussion during the broadcast.
“There is nothing better than the energy and excitement of being in the stadium on game day in the NFL,” Watt said in a statement when CBS announced his broadcast role. “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.”
Watt played 12 NFL seasons with the Houston Texans and Arizona Cardinals, compiling 114.5 sacks and earning Defensive Player of the Year honors three times. Since retiring, he has remained active in football‑adjacent ventures, including becoming a minority investor in Burnley FC, which earned promotion to the Premier League.
Fans and observers noted the change in haircut on social media and during game coverage, marking a visual milestone in Watt’s transition from player to analyst. His move into television parallels a broader trend of high‑profile former players taking prominent roles in sports broadcasting.
CBS’s gradual rollout of Watt to the broadcast booth is part of the network’s preparation for the 2025 season, when he is expected to take a more regular place as a color commentator. The Sunday appearance gave viewers an early look at his on‑air chemistry with Eagle and offered a glimpse of how Watt’s presence will shape future NFL telecasts.