SI Media With Jimmy Traina Ian Eagle and J.J. Watt
Dec 9, 2025
Ian Eagle, a seasoned broadcaster for CBS Sports, teams up with J.J. Watt, a former NFL star turned analyst, to discuss their transition into the broadcasting booth. J.J. shares challenges of calling games live, especially when covering his brother, T.J. Watt. Ian praises J.J.'s curiosity and preparedness. They also delve into balancing analysis with humor and their unique booth quirks, including J.J.'s 'hangry' moments before games. Later, Sal Licata joins to tackle NFL news, Christmas trees, and Philip Rivers' surprising return.
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Game Booth Suits J.J. Watt
- J.J. Watt discovered he preferred live-game broadcasting to studio TV after trying both roles this season.
- He values the stadium atmosphere and deeper football discussion that game broadcasts allow.
Game Broadcasting Is Different Work
- Ian Eagle emphasizes that game broadcasting demands continuous play-by-play context rather than short TV segments.
- He says analysts must shift from doing TV to doing football in-game.
Inquisitiveness Accelerates Credibility
- Ian says J.J. is naturally inquisitive and commits fully to any role he takes on.
- That thoroughness accelerated J.J.'s transition to being a credible in-game analyst.