Nobody saw it coming. You’ve got JJ Watt, the three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, a man who built a career out of being a terrifying physical specimen on the gridiron. Then you’ve got Shane Gillis, the comic who basically looks like he was generated in a lab to represent every guy at a dive bar in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. On paper, they shouldn't work. In reality? They’re the buddy comedy we didn't know we needed.
The internet lost its mind on Christmas Day 2024 when a sketch dropped during the NFL on Netflix pregame show. It wasn't just a quick "hey, look at this famous guy" cameo. It was a full-blown comedic collision.
The Bishop O’Hara "Beef"
The core of their interaction centers on a hilarious, fictionalized backstory. In the now-viral Tires promo, Gillis’s character, Shane, claims he and Watt played football together at the non-existent Bishop O’Hara Middle School.
Gillis, staying perfectly in his "confidently wrong" persona, proceeds to bully one of the greatest defensive players in history. He calls him "Little JJ" and "Crybaby." He even claims Watt wrote a love letter to their second-grade teacher that got the poor woman investigated.
It’s absurd.
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Watching a 6’5”, 280-pound future Hall of Famer take verbal abuse from a guy who peaked as a collegiate offensive lineman (shoutout to West Point and Elon) is objectively funny. Watt’s ability to play the "straight man" while slowly simmering with rage shows he actually has some real acting chops. Most athletes are stiff on camera. Watt? He’s natural. He knows how to let the joke land.
Why JJ Watt and Shane Gillis Actually Fit
It’s about the "Football Guy" energy.
Shane Gillis is arguably the most successful comedian in the world right now among the sports-adjacent demographic. He speaks the language of the locker room. He knows the tropes. JJ Watt, meanwhile, has spent his entire retirement leaning into a more self-aware, media-friendly version of himself.
The Netflix Connection
Netflix is betting big on this crossover. By placing Watt in a sketch for Tires—Gillis’s workplace comedy that became a massive sleeper hit—they’re bridging the gap between hardcore NFL fans and the comedy podcast crowd.
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- Tires Season 2 is one of the most anticipated returns of 2025.
- The Christmas Day sketch served as a "soft pilot" for Watt’s potential as a recurring guest.
- The chemistry wasn't forced; it felt like two guys who actually hang out.
Honestly, the best part of the whole dynamic is the T.J. Watt mention. In the sketch, Gillis tells JJ he should be more like his brother T.J. because "T.J. is the man." It’s the ultimate sibling-rivalry low blow, and Watt’s frustrated reaction is priceless.
The Comedy of the "Unlikely Pairing"
We see these kinds of pairings often, but they usually feel like a corporate board room decided on them. "Hey, let's put a famous athlete with a funny guy for a 30-second insurance commercial."
This feels different.
Gillis has been vocal about his love for football on Matt and Shane’s Secret Podcast. He’s a fan first. Watt seems to genuinely enjoy the "edgier" brand of humor Gillis brings to the table. When JJ Watt appeared on the Tires set, it wasn't just a promo; it was a vibe shift. It showed that Watt is willing to be the butt of the joke, which is the fastest way to earn respect in the comedy world.
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What’s Next for the Duo?
While Watt isn't officially a series regular for Tires Season 2, the door is wide open. Fans are already clamoring for a full episode where Watt has to actually work at the Valley Forge Automotive Center. Imagine JJ Watt trying to change a tire while Gillis’s character yells at him about his "weak" work ethic.
It writes itself.
If you’re looking to catch more of this energy, keep an eye on the Tires release schedule for mid-2025. Netflix is clearly leaning into live sports and comedy crossovers, and the JJ Watt/Shane Gillis experiment is the blueprint.
How to Follow the Story
If you want to keep up with their interactions, the best places aren't the official news outlets. You’ve gotta look at:
- Matt and Shane’s Secret Podcast (MSSP): This is where the real behind-the-scenes stories usually leak out.
- JJ Watt’s Twitter/X: He’s surprisingly active and often engages with fans about these sketches.
- Netflix Is A Joke: Their YouTube channel holds the high-quality versions of these sketches that you’ll want to rewatch.
Basically, just keep your eyes peeled. This isn't the last time these two will be in a room together. Whether it's a podcast appearance or another Netflix special, the Watt-Gillis era is just getting started.
Next Step: Go watch the original Tires season on Netflix if you haven't already. It’ll give you the context you need for why the JJ Watt "crybaby" jokes are so hilariously out of place yet perfectly fitting for the show's universe.