NFL Wild Card 2026: Is JJ Watt Rooting for His Brother T.J. Watt or Former Team Houston Texans on ManningCast?

The 2026 NFL Wild Card round has delivered a narrative that feels scripted for Hollywood: the Houston Texans facing off against the Pittsburgh Steelers. At the center of this emotional storm is legendary defensive end J.J. Watt, who joined Peyton and Eli Manning on the ManningCast to settle the ultimate debate—where do his loyalties lie?

As a three-time Defensive Player of the Year and a member of the Texans Ring of Honor, J.J. Watt’s ties to Houston are unbreakable. However, standing on the opposite sideline is his brother, T.J. Watt, the centerpiece of a fierce Pittsburgh defense led by Mike Tomlin and veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

The Blood vs. Badge Dilemma

During his appearance on the ManningCast, J.J. Watt addressed the conflict head-on. While he admitted to being “torn” earlier in the week on The Pat McAfee Show, the elder Watt ultimately clarified his stance for the fans watching the Monday night showdown.

• The Family Factor: J.J. explained that while he holds “intimate” knowledge and deep love for the Texans organization, family comes first. He confirmed he is rooting for his brother, T.J. Watt, to succeed, even if it means heartbreak for his former team.
• The Sibling Rivalry: Despite voicing the Texans’ official playoff hype video earlier in the week—where he spoke about Houston’s “forged DNA”—J.J. joked with the Manning brothers about the difficulty of picking against his own blood in a high-stakes playoff environment.

Analyzing the Matchup: Stroud vs. Rodgers

Beyond his personal rooting interests, J.J. provided elite technical analysis on the broadcast:

1. Houston’s Defense: He praised the “most feared defense” in the NFL, led by Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter, noting they would be a “nightmare” for Aaron Rodgers.
2. The Steelers’ Pass Rush: He highlighted that his brother T.J. Watt, alongside Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig, could “make you pay” at any moment, potentially disrupting the rhythm of Texans star QB C.J. Stroud.
3. The “ManningCast Curse” vs. Luck: J.J. noted the irony of the Texans being 4-0 this season when he is on the broadcast call, wondering if his presence would serve as a “life insurance” policy for Houston despite his Pittsburgh leanings.

The Verdict

While J.J. Watt will always be a Texan at heart, his 2026 playoff loyalty belongs to the Watt family legacy. Watching the game alongside Peyton and Eli Manning, J.J. proved that while teams change, the bond of the “Watt brothers” is the strongest “policy” in the NFL.