CBS confirms Tony Romo's long-term replacement as Greg Olsen snubbedJeremy Goldstein Thu, October 22, 2026 at 3:29 PM UTC
Tony Romo officially left his post at CBS in October -Credit:2024 CBS Photo Archive (2024 CBS Photo Archive)
CBS named J.J. Watt as Tony Romo's fill-in on the network's top NFL broadcasting team alongside Jim Nantz following Romo's offseason arrest for operating while intoxicated (OWI).
After seven weeks of the 2026 NFL season, CBS furthered its commitment to Watt by handing the former NFL Defensive Player of the Year a new multi-year contract to remain its top color commentator. Figures of the deal were undisclosed.
Both Greg Olsen (current FOX No. 2 team) and Troy Aikman (ESPN Monday Night Football) are broadcasting free agents and have more experience and television recognition than Watt. Still, the network was impressed with how Watt slid into the top booth on short notice to partner with the veteran Nantz and sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson. It comes just days after NFL fans spotted Aikman and Joe Buck's behavior toward each other after an intense argument.
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“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 Thursday.
“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 (Skydance chairman) 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!"
Watt, 37, joined CBS in 2025 after a 12-year NFL career with the Houston Texans and Arizona Cardinals, where he won three NFL Defensive Player of the Year honors. The five-time First-team All-Pro is almost surely headed to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
He initially served as a studio analyst for the CBS pregame, halftime, and postgame show, NFL Today. Last year, he partnered with Ian Eagle in the network's No. 2 broadcast booth. Romo was arrested in late July and placed on leave "until further notice," and CBS immediately elevated Watt to the No. 1 booth.
FOX's Greg Olsen was once considered a long-term Tony Romo replacement for CBS
After the network and Romo agreed to part ways in October, Watt was handed the job at least for the rest of the 2026 season. Romo and CBS agreed to a financial settlement covering the remaining four years and the $72 million remaining on his deal.
Skydance (CBS parent company) Global Sports group chairman David Berson lauded the job Watt has done in his time with the network.
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“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,” he said.
"He’s insightful, entertaining, passionate, meticulous in his preparation, and the ultimate teammate.
"He has a unique ability to see things and communicate to fans of all levels. We are thrilled to have him leading our NFL coverage."
Elsewhere in the sports broadcasting world, Terry Bradshaw got worked up and snapped at a FOX NFL Sunday co-star.
Source: Sports
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