J.J. Watt Appreciates Opposing Fans' Kindness While Calling Brother's Games
J.J. Watt has been the CBS No. 2 analyst alongside Ian Eagle this season, calling many Steelers games featuring his younger brother, T.J. Watt, one of Pittsburgh's top players.
While some might expect conflicts of interest, Watt explains it is not as difficult as it seems to stay professional during broadcasts.
“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 3 or 4 second where he makes a strip-sack fumble, where Ian is doing his job really well, and then I break down the play. 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.”
At the recent Steelers-Colts game, J.J. Watt recovered a strip-sack fumble in the second quarter, contributing to Pittsburgh’s six forced turnovers in a 27-20 victory that ended their two-game losing streak. Ian Eagle described the play, and J.J. Watt offered expert analysis, with no issues arising from fans.
This kind of professionalism and sportsmanship is how Watt believes broadcasts should function.
Author’s summary: J.J. Watt values the respectful response from opposing fans while calling games that feature his brother, maintaining professionalism and unbiased commentary throughout.