J.J. Watt appreciates opposing fans being kind about him calling his brother's games
J.J. Watt says that rival fans have been unexpectedly gracious while he’s been calling games for the Pittsburgh Steelers, where his younger brother T.J. Watt plays. Now in his first season as CBS’s No. 2 analyst alongside Ian Eagle, Watt has already covered several Steelers matchups.
This past weekend, during the game against Indianapolis, J.J. faced another professional test — balancing his role as a broadcaster with his family connection to one of Pittsburgh’s top defenders. Still, he insists the situation is not as difficult as people might assume.
“Honestly, it’s not nearly as bad as I think people think it would be,” Watt told The Dan Patrick Show. “You’re up there, and I know how to be professional. I talk to him before the game. But during the game, Ian handles the play-by-play anyway, so I have like a three or four second window when he makes a strip-sack fumble, Ian is doing his job really well, and then I break down the play.”
Watt mentioned that he is grateful for how fans have treated him so far.
“From the fan reaction, I’m very appreciative of all the opposing fans who have been so kind because I have consciously tried to keep it extremely unbiased.”
In the Steelers-Colts game, T.J. Watt recorded a second-quarter strip-sack fumble that he recovered himself. The Steelers forced six turnovers in total, taking a 27–20 win that ended their two-game losing streak. Eagle handled the live call, Watt provided the analysis, and everything flowed as intended — professionalism first, family second.
Author’s summary:
J.J. Watt praises the sportsmanship of opposing fans as he continues to call his brother’s Steelers games with professionalism and balance.