In his post-playing career, Watt has stayed in the spotlight, including work as a television analyst during the NFL season. He is now preparing to take on a high-profile role that will bring him into millions of households during primetime television.
Recently, Watt announced a new venture that will place him on a national stage once again. He revealed that he will appear as a guest investor on Shark Tank, joining the panel to hear pitches from entrepreneurs and potentially strike deals as an investor. Watt expressed enthusiasm about joining the show, noting that he has long been a fan of Shark Tank and that the opportunity to participate as a guest shark is “surreal” and something he is extremely grateful for.
Shark Tank has a substantial audience, averaging about 1.6 million viewers per episode, and Watt is among several guest sharks announced for the upcoming season. Other guest sharks include Mindy Kaling, MrBeast (Jimmy Donaldson), the Foster sisters, and Steven Bartlett, among others. As a guest shark, Watt will evaluate pitches alongside the regular panelists and may choose to pursue a deal with a founder.
Beyond his television work, Watt has remained active in the sports and business world. He founded the Justin J. Watt Foundation, a nonprofit organization focused on supporting youth programs. He has also provided NFL commentary for major outlets and has involvement with various international sports ventures, including minority ownership in multiple soccer clubs.
On the football front, Watt’s legacy continues to be evaluated for Hall of Fame consideration. With a career that included 12 seasons in the NFL—11 with Houston and one with Arizona—Watt is widely regarded as one of the era’s premier defensive players. He earned multiple Defensive Player of the Year honors and left a lasting imprint on the Texans’ franchise. He is already honored in Houston’s Ring of Honor, and many analysts believe he is a strong first-ballot Hall of Fame candidate when eligible in 2028, given his accolades and enduring impact on the game.
Looking ahead, Watt’s transition into a prominent media and business role reflects a broader trend of athletes leveraging their fame and expertise beyond their playing days. Fans can expect to see him in primetime as a guest investor on a popular reality series, as well as continuing his work in broadcasting, philanthropy, and sports ownership ventures. Watt’s diverse post-NFL endeavors demonstrate the ongoing influence of his career and the ways former players can shape the sports and entertainment landscape long after their final snap.
