Former Rep. J.C. Watts to join CNN

ATLANTA, Jan. 18 (UPI) -- J.C. Watts, who was in the House Republican leadership when he was a U.S. representative from Oklahoma, is joining CNN as a political analyst.

The cable network, in a release Wednesday, said Watts would be a regular contributor on politics and policy for programs throughout CNN. It did not list a start date.

Watts was a four-term representative from Oklahoma's 4th congressional district. During his third term he was elected chairman of the Republican Conference. While in Congress he served on the House Armed Services Committee and House Select Committee on Homeland Security.

Watts is the chairman of J.C. Watts Companies, which helps clients with business growth and public affairs strategies.

He first grabbed national attention as the quarterback of the University of Oklahoma Sooners football team. He led the Sooners to two consecutive Big Eight Conference and Orange Bowl championships.

CNN/U.S. President Jon Klein said: "J.C. is one of the most respected and effective conservative communicators in the nation's capital. We are glad to welcome him to the CNN team and look forward to his insightful contributions to our network."