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Watt Replaces Romo as CBS's Lead NFL Analyst
· Confirmed
In Short: CBS Sports announced Thursday that JJ Watt will replace Tony Romo as the network's lead NFL analyst.
CBS Sports announced Thursday a new multiyear agreement with JJ Watt, the former NFL star defensive lineman, to become the network's lead NFL analyst, replacing Tony Romo.
Watt, a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, joined CBS as a studio analyst in 2023 and moved to the broadcast booth last season.
Romo was arrested on July 23 in Milwaukee on suspicion of operating a vehicle while under the influence, leading CBS to part ways with him earlier this month, ending his 10-year stint at the network.
Watt, who retired after the 2022 season, expressed enthusiasm about his new role, saying, 'From the brotherhood of THE NFL TODAY to my crews calling games, I couldn't ask for better teammates alongside me on this television journey.'
Romo was placed on leave by the network following his arrest, but CBS officially ended their relationship on October 2, citing a mutual agreement.
Watt will continue to call the network’s top NFL games alongside Jim Nantz and Tracy Wolfson, including during the 2027 season when they will call Super Bowl LXII in Atlanta.
David Berson, Chairman of Global Sports Group at Skydance, praised Watt's transition into broadcasting, noting, 'I've had a front-row seat to JJ's growth as a top-tier broadcaster, watching him tackle this role just like he did his hall-of-fame playing career.'
Watt's signing comes as CBS Sports looks to solidify its broadcast team, with Romo's departure leaving a significant void.
The network's decision to extend Watt's contract reflects a commitment to stability and quality in their NFL coverage.
Watt's brother, TJ Watt, is a dominant pass rusher for the Pittsburgh Steelers, adding a family connection to the NFL landscape.
While Romo's departure leaves questions about other broadcasting roles, Watt's lock-in at CBS removes him as a potential candidate for other networks.
Watt's transition to the lead analyst role has been seamless, with his insightful and entertaining analysis earning praise from both fans and colleagues.
What this adds
The network's decision to part ways with Romo and move forward with Watt underscores the importance of maintaining high standards in broadcasting.
What's confirmed
- "From the brotherhood of THE NFL TODAY to my crews calling games, I couldn't ask for better teammates alongside me on this television journey." Watt, a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, joined CBS as a studio analyst in 2023 and moved to the broadcast booth last season.
- "has a unique ability to see things and communicate to fans of all levels."
- "I've had a front-row seat to JJ's growth as a top-tier broadcaster, watching him tackle this role just like he did his hall-of-fame playing career," said David Berson, Chairman of Global Sports Group, Skydance.
- CBS said on July 31 that Romo was on leave "until further notice," but then the network announced on Oct. 2 that it had "mutually agreed to part ways" with its long-time lead analyst.
What's still developing
- "He's insightful, entertaining, passionate, meticulous in his preparation, and the ultimate teammate." A three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year and the 2017 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year, Watt played 12 NFL seasons with the Houston Texans and Arizona Cardinals.
- The Source: Information in this article is from a Paramount news release and JJ Watt's social media.
- Cardinals defensive lineman JJ Watt (99) comes onto the field prior to a game against the Patriots at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. on Dec. 12, 2022. (Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK) Watt joined CBS Sports in 2023 as a studio analyst on The NFL Today.
- Sportscaster and Fox News contributor Jim Gray assesses Tiger Woods and Tony Romoâs legal troubles on âJesse Watters Primetime.â Tony Romo's loss has been J.J.
- He had $72 million left on the remaining four years of his 10-year, $180 million contract, which the parties settled to allow CBS to move on from Romo and move forward with Watt, who originally replaced him on a temporary basis before CBS previously announced he would stay in the role through the season.
- With Aikman set for free agency, everyone is guessing who will take his place for “Monday Night Football,” with some speculating that Greg Olsen could head to ESPN after being demoted to Fox’s No.
- With Watt locked in at CBS, that’s one potential candidate off the table elsewhere, as they have one of the few stable teams in the industry at the moment.
- With seven seconds left in a 31-31 game, Watt and play-by-play announcer Jim Nantz began an ill-timed conversation about soccer.
- On a recent edition of the “Sports Media Podcast with Richard Deitsch,” Aikman, whose contract expires after the Super Bowl, stated he had expected to reach a new deal before the start of the NFL season and that he is unsure when the two sides might reach an agreement.
- The Rays were leading the Yankees 1-0 and right-hander Drew Rasmussen had not allowed a hit.
- Nantz tried to knock the ball from Watt, but hit his wrist hard on the football and immediately grabbed his hand.
- Watt and Nantz had a funny moment during last week's Buffalo Bills-Las Vegas Raiders game when Watt was showing how players try to protect the football from defensive players attempting the “Peanut Punch,” which is named after former defensive back Charles “Peanut” Tillman.