In a twist during an NFL broadcast, the action took a lighter turn when an unusual incident unfolded off the field. While calling the game between the Bills and the Raiders, commentators Jim Nantz and JJ Watt chatted about how players guard against the so-called “Peanut Punch” used by defenders.
Watt decided to demonstrate the technique and asked Nantz to give it a go. “Jim, go ahead, give it a good punch,” he urged. “Hard as you got, brother.” Surprisingly, Nantz struck the ball with more force than Watt expected.
With a laugh, Watt exclaimed, “I didn’t think you were going to go that hard! That was so much harder than I thought you were going to go. But the ball stayed.” Almost immediately, Nantz grimaced and began to rub his hand, humorously suggesting he might have broken his wrist as the game continued.
“Give Jim some ice,” Watt jested, to which Nantz added, “Really.”
Watt went on to explain that ball carriers are increasingly using a technique that involves locking their wrist, creating a more secure grip against defenders trying to punch the ball free.
When the broadcast resumed for the second half, Nantz was seen with his hand wrapped in ice, suggesting the punch may have had some unintended consequences. Although neither Nantz nor Watt further discussed the incident, there was a playful moment when Watt said, “We want to see who throws the first punch,” prompting a laugh from Nantz as he acknowledged the physical intensity of the first half.
This season, Watt joined Nantz as CBS’s lead commentator team for the NFL after the network parted ways with former quarterback Tony Romo, who faced legal issues over the summer.
