NBC is targeting former defensive lineman J.J. Watt to become part of its new Big Ten football package, Awful Announcing reports. According to the report, NBC has already landed former Ohio State linebacker Joshua Perry, while NFL Network analyst Michael Robinson is another option for a studio role along with Maria Taylor.
This will be the first season of NBC’s Big Ten coverage, as the network expands its college football broadcasting beyond just Notre Dame games. NBC brought in Noah Eagle and Todd Blackledge to anchor its new Big Ten coverage starting in the 2023 season.
Watt recently retired from the NFL but has yet to announce his next move. In January, the 34 year-old said he might consider doing television in the right situation.
“Early in my career I said I would never do it, but I love the game too much to not be around it in some capacity,” he tweeted.
Certainly a possibility.
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) January 22, 2023
Early in my career I said I would never do it, but I love the game too much to not be around it in some capacity.
As for movies, not sure. I more enjoy the pressure, energy & adrenaline of a live audience (why I enjoyed hosting SNL so much)
We’ll see. https://t.co/0mO4O0R9lD
Having Watt would give NBC a big name to compete with ESPN, CBS and Fox, who have been covering college football more extensively for a longer time. According to Awful Announcing, NBC could send its studio show, currently named Big Ten Saturday Night on the road, just like ESPN and Fox do.
