JJ Watt will step into Tony Romo's analyst position at CBS Sports after Romo was placed on indefinite leave [1].
The move marks a significant shift in the network's NFL coverage as the league prepares for the upcoming season. Watt, a Hall of Fame defensive end, replaces one of the highest-paid analysts in sports broadcasting during a period of leadership instability in the booth.
CBS took action after Romo was arrested for operating while intoxicated on July 23, 2024 [2]. The network subsequently placed Romo on indefinite leave, creating a vacancy in the primary broadcast booth [1].
Watt recently addressed the promotion and the timing of the transition. "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," Watt said.
While Watt is now positioned as the top NFL color analyst, some reports indicate he is still being evaluated for the No. 1 spot [3]. Other accounts suggest he is only weeks away from his official debut in the role [4].
The transition comes as Romo still has four years remaining on his contract with CBS [5]. It remains unclear if the network will seek to terminate that agreement or if Romo will eventually return from leave.
Watt's ascent to the lead booth follows a trajectory that saw him previously working as part of the network's second-tier broadcast team [6]. His promotion ensures that CBS maintains a high-profile former player in the booth for its flagship game-day coverage.
“"I’m incredibly excited about this opportunity."”
This transition represents a major gamble for CBS Sports, replacing a seasoned broadcaster with a Hall of Fame player who has less experience in the lead booth. The presence of four years remaining on Romo's contract creates a complex legal and financial situation for the network if they decide to make Watt's appointment permanent.
