J.J. Watt, the five-time All-Pro NFL player, is set to appear as a guest investor on the 18th season of the ABC reality competition series "Shark Tank."
Watt, 37, expressed his excitement about the new role, noting his long-standing viewership of the show. "Been a Shark Tank fan for all 17 seasons. [My wife] Kealia and I have debated deals & terms from our couch for years," Watt wrote on X, formerly Twitter. "Crazy valuations, royalty deals, all of it. To be in a place now where I’m fortunate enough to be asked to be a Guest Shark is pretty surreal. Extremely grateful."
The show officially announced the news, highlighting Watt's transition from "game-winning plays" to "business moves."
He will join other guest investors for the upcoming season, including actress Mindy Kaling and YouTuber MrBeast.
"Shark Tank" has a history of featuring figures from the sports world. Previous guest sharks have included Alex Rodriguez, Michael Strahan, Steve Tisch, and Maria Sharapova.
Since concluding his 12-year NFL career, Watt has remained active in sports and business. In 2023, he and his wife became minority owners of the English soccer team Burnley F.C. The ownership group, which includes Watt, is reportedly set to acquire Spanish club Espanyol in 2025.
Watt also runs his eponymous foundation, which aims to provide after-school athletic opportunities for middle-school-aged children. Additionally, he serves as an analyst for "NFL on CBS."
"Shark Tank" is scheduled to air on ABC and stream on Hulu this fall. A premiere date for the 18th season has not yet been announced.