CBS names J.J. Watt lead NFL analyst, replacing Tony Romo
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The gist
CBS named J.J. Watt its lead NFL analyst on a new multi-year contract after Tony Romo's exit.
Watt takes over the booth Romo held for nine years.
Background
Tony Romo is a former Dallas Cowboys quarterback who spent nine years as CBS Sports' lead NFL game analyst, calling games alongside play-by-play announcer Jim Nantz from 2017. His tenure ended after he was arrested in Wisconsin in July 2026 and charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated; CBS placed him on leave, he entered a no-contest plea in September, and the network and Romo mutually agreed to part ways on October 2. J.J. Watt, a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year and five-time first-team All-Pro with the Houston Texans and Arizona Cardinals, joined CBS Sports in 2023 as a studio analyst on "The NFL Today" and moved into the game booth in 2025 on CBS's No. 2 team.
How it unfolded
- Jul 23, 2026Romo was arrested in Wisconsin after a traffic stop on southbound Interstate 43 near downtown Milwaukee and charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated.
- Jul 31, 2026CBS said Romo was on leave "until further notice."
- Sep 1, 2026Romo entered a no-contest plea; his sentence included a six-month revocation of his driving privileges and an alcohol-assessment requirement.
- Oct 2, 2026CBS Sports announced it and Romo had mutually agreed to part ways, ending his nine-year run as the network's lead NFL game analyst.
- Oct 19, 2026Romo's next broadcasting position had not been announced.
- Oct 22, 2026CBS named J.J. Watt lead analyst for the NFL on CBS on a new multi-year contract, with a Super Bowl assignment in February 2028; the announcement was made by David Berson, Chairman of Skydance's Global Sports Group.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- CBS thanked Romo for his contributions over the past nine years and wished him the best moving forward.
- Colleague
- Jim Nantz said he believes Romo will work in broadcasting again, though he does not know whether Romo will return to calling games or pursue a studio role.
- Successor
- J.J. Watt said he is thankful to David Berson for his leadership, vision and trust, calling the job an "honor and privilege."
- Romo
- Romo said he planned to take a break and focus on his health and family before considering his next opportunity, according to ESPN.
Still unverified
Romo's arrest was initially reported as "reportedly arrested" before being confirmed in later coverage. An Aikman-Romo broadcast pairing remains only a suggestion floated by Sal Iacono, not an announced plan.