JJ Watt has officially stepped up to CBS as the leading analyst for their NFL coverage, taking over from Tony Romo amidst ongoing legal troubles for the former quarterback. This shift comes after Romo’s arrest in July for allegedly operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OWI) in his home state of Wisconsin. On August 11, Watt expressed his excitement about the new role, while acknowledging the unfortunate circumstances surrounding it.
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In a statement shared on social media platform X, the retired NFL player, now 37, remarked, “I haven’t said much because it’s not the circumstances you’d hope it would happen under, but I’m incredibly excited about this opportunity. I look forward to working with a legendary team.” Watt’s enthusiasm for the role was evident as he mentioned the renowned CBS crew, including Jim Nantz, Tracy Wolfson, and Jim Rikhoff, while also teasing his debut in Minnesota.
Watt’s introduction to CBS Sports began earlier this year when he joined as a studio analyst for “The NFL Today” following his retirement from football. By 2025, he was appointed as a game analyst on the network’s No. 2 team, partnering with play-by-play announcer Ian Eagle. With his promotion to lead analyst, Watt is expected to bring his football acumen and charisma to CBS’s NFL broadcasts.
Tony Romo, now 46, faces significant challenges as he navigates the legal implications of his arrest. He was detained on July 23 near Milwaukee after being pulled over during a golf tournament. Despite performing poorly on field sobriety tests, Romo reportedly refused a breathalyser test, which has compounded his legal woes. Consequently, CBS Sports placed him on indefinite leave on July 31 while they evaluate the situation and its implications for the network.
During a media briefing on the same day Watt made his announcement, CBS Sports president David Berson acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding Romo’s future with the network. “It’s an evolving situation, and therefore we’re still assessing,” Berson stated. He added that there is currently no set timetable for a decision regarding Romo’s potential return to the broadcast team, emphasising the sensitivity of the matter.
Berson also underlined the importance of considering the impact of Romo’s situation on CBS’s image and brand. “That’s very important to us,” he remarked, hinting at the broader corporate ramifications while navigating the implications of Romo’s actions.
Despite the serious nature of the situation, the excitement surrounding Watt’s new role is palpable within the CBS circle. As he prepares to step into this prominent position, Watt brings a wealth of experience from his illustrious NFL career and his previous broadcasting roles. Fans and colleagues alike are eager to see how he will evolve as a lead analyst.
As for Romo, he is scheduled to appear in court on September 21. The outcome of this legal battle may significantly influence not only his career trajectory but also the dynamics of CBS’s NFL coverage moving forward.
While the network is positioned to pivot with Watt’s promotion, many are left hoping for a resolution that respects both Romo’s legal matters and the network’s commitment to delivering quality sports analysis. Thus, the coming months will be crucial in determining the future of CBS’s NFL presentations and the respective roles of these two prominent personalities.