CBS Makes J.J. Watt the Full-Time Replacement For Tony Romo

J.J. Watt during his time as a CBS Sports NFL analyst.© X/@AroundTheNFL

J.J. Watt had spent the past few months proving he could handle one of the biggest jobs in NFL broadcasting, and CBS Sports decided it had seen enough. The former Houston Texans star had stepped into Tony Romo's place after the network parted ways with the former Dallas Cowboys quarterback earlier this month. Now, Watt has secured a multiyear deal to remain CBS' lead game analyst, giving the network a permanent partner for Jim Nantz and a clear plan for its top NFL broadcasts.

J.J. Watt replaces Tony Romo at CBS

CBS announced the agreement on Thursday, October 22, confirming Watt's move from an interim replacement to the network's full-time lead analyst. He had taken over the top booth at the start of the 2026 season, working alongside Nantz and sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson.

“I am incredibly honored and grateful to have the opportunity to represent CBS Sports and all of the fantastic people who make this place so special,” Watt said in a statement released by the network.

The 37-year-old thanked CBS Sports chairman David Berson for trusting him with the role. Watt joined the network in 2023 as a studio analyst on The NFL Today before moving into game broadcasts in 2025. His promotion to the main team followed Romo's departure from the network.

Berson praised Watt's preparation, passion and ability to explain the game to viewers with different levels of football knowledge. He highlighted the former defensive end's growth behind the microphone, comparing his approach to the work that made him a star on the field.

The financial terms of Watt's new deal were not disclosed. Romo's exit, however, came with a significant contract settlement, as the former quarterback had four years and $72 million remaining on his previous agreement.

J.J. Watt set to call Super Bowl LXII with Jim Nantz

Romo's departure followed an incident in Milwaukee on July 23, when police arrested him on suspicion of operating a vehicle while intoxicated. He pleaded no contest on September 1, and his driving privileges were revoked for six months. CBS and Romo agreed to part ways earlier in October, ending his 10-year run with the network.

Watt's new contract gives CBS stability as television networks compete for top NFL broadcasting talent. His place alongside Nantz is secured for the coming years, with the pair expected to call Super Bowl LXII in Atlanta in February 2028.

The analyst's transition has already produced memorable moments on air. During last week's Buffalo Bills-Las Vegas Raiders game, Nantz tried to demonstrate the “Peanut Punch,” a technique defenders use to knock the ball loose. His attempt to strike the football in Watt's hands left him grabbing his wrist. Nantz later joked about breaking it, although he confirmed that nothing was broken.

Watt will return to the booth with Nantz for Sunday's Cincinnati Bengals-Baltimore Ravens matchup, with Wolfson reporting from the sideline.