LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 18: CBS Sports NFL game analyst J.J. Watt arrives at Allegiant Stadium before a game between the Buffalo Bills and the Las Vegas Raiders on October 18, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Former star defensive end JJ Watt has signed a multi-year agreement to become the lead NFL game analyst for CBS Sports, taking over the role following the departure of longtime analyst Tony Romo.
JJ Watt named lead CBS analyst
Romo and CBS Sports mutually agreed to part ways after a nine-year broadcasting partnership. The separation followed Romo’s no-contest plea on Sept. 2 to an operating while intoxicated (OWI) charge stemming from a July arrest in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin. Romo had initially been placed on leave by the network following the arrest, which happened when deputies stopped him on an Interstate 43 bridge.
Former Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo leaves CBS Sports after OWI charge
CBS Sports and former Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo are parting ways after nine years, just one month after his no-contest plea to an OWI charge.
Watt replaces Tony Romo
With Romo's exit, Watt, who joined CBS Sports as a studio analyst in 2023, stepped into the network's premier broadcast booth alongside play-by-play announcer Jim Nantz and reporter Tracy Wolfson.
The network announced that Watt will continue in the role permanently under a multi-year deal, which includes calling Super Bowl LXII in Atlanta next season.
What they're saying:
"I've had a front-row seat to JJ's growth as a top-tier broadcaster, watching him tackle this role just like he did his hall-of-fame playing career," said David Berson, Chairman of Global Sports Group, Skydance. "He's insightful, entertaining, passionate, meticulous in his preparation, and the ultimate teammate."
Reflecting on his new position, Watt said, "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. I love this job and can’t wait to see ya Sunday with Jim and Tracy and many more Sundays to come!"
A three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year and the 2017 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year, Watt played 12 NFL seasons with the Houston Texans and Arizona Cardinals. He is a five-time First-Team All-Pro selection and the only player in NFL history to record multiple seasons with at least 20 sacks, finishing his career with 114.5 sacks.
The Source: Information in this article is from a Paramount news release and JJ Watt's social media.