Pewaukee native JJ Watt returns to Wisconsin roots for Packers-Vikings broadcast

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (CBS 58) — Less than 24 hours before the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings kick off their seasons, Sunday's broadcast on CBS will feature some additional Wisconsin flavor.

CBS 58's Lance Allan caught up with Pewaukee native JJ Watt, who will be part of CBS' No. 1 broadcast team for the Week 1 matchup.

Allan asked Watt what it means to look back on growing up in a community of fewer than 10,000 people before going on to star in the NFL and now becoming a broadcaster for CBS.

"It's pretty wild, man," Watt said. "As you know, I grew up in Wisconsin, so you see the Green Bay Packers and I've always told people that was like a mythical level that I did not think. I wanted to be a Pewaukee Pirate. I wanted to be a varsity player on the Pewaukee Pirates. That was my dream. That was my goal. The Wisconsin Badgers. The Green Bay Packers. That was a different world, like those guys were gods and I didn't even consider it."

Allan and Watt also discussed what Green Bay will need to do to start the season 1-0 on the road against a familiar NFC North opponent.

Watt said one of his biggest concerns is the Packers' offensive line and how well the unit can handle Minnesota defensive coordinator Brian Flores' pressure-heavy defense.

"First of all, I think their offensive line needs to be solid," Watt said. "You hear them talking this week and even right now, there's some questions on if these guys are truly fully healthy and ready to go. Also, their continuity because they haven't been able to play as five in training camp. And when you're going against a Brian Flores defense who brings all these pressures and things at you, you have to be ready for that."

Watt also believes this could be a significant season for quarterback Jordan Love, especially with running back Josh Jacobs unavailable.

"I think it's time for Jordan Love to take that complete and entire role on his shoulders, especially with Josh Jacobs out," Watt said.

Watt pointed to an interesting historical comparison involving former Packers quarterbacks Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers.

"You look at Brett Favre, wins his first MVP in his fourth year as Packers quarterback. Aaron Rodgers wins his first MVP in his fourth year as Packers starting quarterback. It's Jordan Love's fourth year as a starting quarterback," Watt said. "Is this the year that offense goes from 47 to 48% pass to, you know, maybe 52% pass? Maybe it's a little more Jordan Love than they're used to."

Watt said he is also looking forward to seeing Green Bay's defense under Jonathan Gannon for the first time, even without Micah Parsons.

The Packers and Vikings kick off Sunday on CBS 58 at 3:25 p.m.