general | March 25, 2026

NFL Legend JJ Watt Developing Own Cartoon with Creators of 'Hey Arnold!' and 'Arthur' | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors

BURNLEY, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 25: J.J. Watt, Minority Owner of Burnley, looks on prior to the Premier League match between Burnley FC and West Ham United at Turf Moor on November 25, 2023 in Burnley, England. (Photo by James Gill/Getty Images)James Gill/Getty Images

Former NFL star JJ Watt is widening his portfolio in retirement, announcing Wednesday on The Pat McAfee Show he's developing a cartoon series.

The five-time All-Pro said the project is tentatively called Ball Town, and he's working with people who helped create the series Hey Arnold! and Arthur.

Watt retired after the 2022 NFL season, and he wasted little time finding ways to keep himself busy. He signed with CBS Sports and appeared regularly in-studio for the network. He and his wife became minority owners in English soccer club Burnley as well, with the Clarets earning promotion back into the English Premier League.

It's unclear whether Watt intends to have his animated likeness represented in his prospective series or will remain behind the scenes. Either way, collaborating with experienced in the field shows he's very serious about bringing the idea to life.