In the wake of Tony Romo’s exit from CBS, the network has quickly found a longterm replacement in J.J. Watt.
CBS initially promoted Watt as a temporary fill-in for Romo, but the former defensive tackle has done a strong enough job for the network to commit to him moving forward. Watt will now remain in this role as Jim Nantz’s partner, taking CBS out of the market for a top color commentator.
Watt is just 37 years old, so it’s reasonable that he could remain in this role for a long time and become a fixture for NFL Sunday broadcasts. He is also a rare defensive player to take a spot on a top NFL broadcast team.
Here’s more to know about Watt’s promotion at CBS.
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CBS officially promotes J.J. Watt
On Thursday, CBS announced that J.J. Watt will officially be the network’s top color commentator for the NFL moving forward, working with Jim Nantz on the top broadcast team. Watt was named as Tony Romo’s temporary replacement when Romo was put on leave over the Summer, and he will now remain there full-time.
“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. “From the brotherhood of THE NFL TODAY to my crews calling games, I couldn’t ask for better teammates alongside me on this television journey. I am thankful to David Berson for his leadership, vision and trust. I love this job and can’t wait to see ya Sunday with Jim and Tracy and many more Sundays to come!”
From the first meeting in Arizona with David Berson & Ross Molloy, to the brotherhood of the NFL Today desk, an unforgettable year with Ian, Evan, Ken & crew and now alongside legendary Jim Nantz, Tracy Wolfson, Rikhoff and the whole crew. What an honor & privilege. Grateful 🙏🏻 https://t.co/9tNPRx94bL
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) October 22, 2026
Watt has been with CBS since 2023, when he first joined the network’s studio show “THE NFL TODAY” for two seasons before moving to game coverage. In 2025, Watt worked with Ian Eagle on the network’s second broadcast team, but he was quickly promoted after Romo lost his spot on the top team.
Romo stepped away from CBS in August after he was arrested in Wisconsin for an OWI. Initially, the move was temporary, as Romo was planning on returning, but the two sides officially parted ways in early October, paving the way for Watt to keep his spot in the future.
CBS could have tried to sign a different broadcaster in the offseason, whether that be a newly retired coach or Greg Olsen, whose contract with Fox is reportedly expiring after this season. However, CBS seems comfortable with how Watt and Nantz have worked together, so Watt will be sticking around.
This means that Watt will be on the call for Super Bowl 62, as CBS has the broadcast rights for the game in the 2027 season.
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