Former Houston Texans player and current NFL commentator J.J. Watt will be a guest “shark” on this fall’s return of the “Shark Tank” series.
The announcement that Watt will join the series as a guest was made on the show’s social media platforms at noon on Tuesday. It will be the show’s 18th season.
“JJ Watt has made game-winning plays, and now he’s making business moves as a Guest Shark,” according to the post.
Guest sharks hear the pitches alongside the regular panelists and can put together a deal with the entrepreneur as an investor.
Regular panelists for the show include Barbara Corcoran, Lori Greiner, Robert Herjavec, Daymond John, Daniel Lubetzky and Kevin O’Leary.
Rashaun Williams and Texas-based jewelry designer Kendra Scott will become regular panelists this season.
Other guest sharks announced Tuesday include producer, creator and actress Mindy Kaling, CEO of Beast Industries Jimmy Donaldson “MrBeast,” entrepreneurs Sara and Erin Foster and Dragons’ Den investor Steven Bartlett.
Watt played 12 seasons in the NFL mostly for the Houston Texans becoming a fan favorite and standout defensive player. After his retirement, he founded the Justin J Watt Foundation nonprofit and now provides NFL commentary for CBS Sports. He’s also a minority owner in several pro soccer clubs.
The network has not revealed what episodes will include Watt.
The show will air on Wednesdays on ABC in the fall and later stream on Hulu. A debut date and time slot have not been announced.