Jim Nantz, the esteemed broadcaster, has recently addressed the departure of his long-time colleague Tony Romo from CBS Sports. This follows Romo’s recent troubles which culminated in an arrest on July 23 for operating a vehicle while intoxicated. The network confirmed on October 2 that Romo and CBS had “mutually agreed to part ways” after an extended period during which Romo was placed on indefinite leave.
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In an interview with Traina Thoughts host Jimmy Traina, Nantz, who has partnered with Romo for nearly a decade, expressed his continued support for his friend. He notably stated, “We’ll be friends forever. Nothing changes.” Reflecting on their nine years together, Nantz reminisced about their shared experiences, which included broadcasting three Super Bowls.
Nantz revealed that he became aware of Romo’s arrest while attending a golf event in Minnesota, but his primary concern was for Romo’s well-being. “My first thought, of course, was to see how Tony was doing, just as a friend to make sure he’s doing alright,” he shared. He added that he felt reassured about Romo’s progress, highlighting the former football star’s capability to overcome personal challenges.

Moreover, Nantz emphasized the importance of their friendship both before and after their professional collaboration. “It was a great friendship before we got started as teammates on the air,” he noted, reinforcing that their bond would remain intact despite the changes in their professional landscape.

Tony Romo, in a statement following his exit from CBS, expressed his plan to take a break, an unusual move for him, as he aims to focus on his health and family. This indicates a period of reflection and recuperation for the former quarterback, who has been a notable figure in sports broadcasting since transitioning from his NFL career.
Nantz elaborated on his feelings regarding Romo’s future prospects. When asked if he believes Romo will return to work, Nantz was confident, stating, “I think unquestionably, he will work again.” He articulated Romo’s unique talents and the appeal he holds within the industry, noting his vibrant personality, which he described as “bigger-than-life.” This positivity suggests that Nantz envisions a promising future for his friend in whatever path he chooses next, be it calling games or another role in sports media.
While Nantz acknowledged that he is not privy to Romo’s immediate plans, he refrained from speculating on the specifics of Romo’s career trajectory. Nonetheless, it is evident that he holds a profound respect for Romo’s abilities and the support he has from his close network, which provides a solid foundation as he navigates this transition.
In summary, the friendship between Jim Nantz and Tony Romo remains steadfast despite the upheaval surrounding Romo’s exit from CBS Sports. Nantz’s comments reflect both a deep bond forged over years of collaboration and a sincere hope for Romo’s future, showcasing the resilience and support inherent in their partnership. As both men move forward, the support for Romo’s recovery and growth appears to be a shared priority, underlining the personal connections that often lie beyond the public scrutiny of sports broadcasting.
