CBS
JJ Watt is taking over Tony Romo's role as CBS' lead NFL analyst
Future NFL Hall of Fame defensive end J.J. Watt has addressed taking over for Tony Romo as CBS’ lead NFL analyst. Romo is currently suspended due to a recent OWI arrest.
Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo was arrested in Wisconsin in July on an OWI charge, with body camera footage showing him being pulled over and failing field sobriety tests.
CBS placed him on indefinite leave and inserted J.J. Watt into the top booth on an interim basis. Some reports have indicated that the network could be looking to permanently move on from Romo.
The former Texans defensive end and three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year has been named CBS Sports’ lead NFL game analyst alongside iconic play-by-play man Jim Nantz.
Watt will make his debut in the role for Week 1’s marquee matchup between the Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers.
J.J. Watt has addressed filling in for Tony Romo as CBS’ lead NFL analyst amid a suspension for OWI in Wisconsin
Watt — who first joined CBS as a studio analyst in 2023 before moving to the No. 2 booth alongside Ian Eagle in 2025 — addressed the situation directly on social media, striking a tone that was both grateful and measured.
“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 and look forward to working with a legendary team in Jim Nantz, Tracy Wolfson, Jim Rikhoff and the entire CBS lead crew. See you in Minnesota!” Watt tweeted on Tuesday night.
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 and look forward to working with a legendary team in Jim Nantz, Tracy Wolfson, Jim Rikhoff and the entire CBS lead crew.
See you in Minnesota! pic.twitter.com/9IKaTg5cTv
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) August 11, 2026
Romo’s first court date is scheduled for September 21. In Wisconsin, a first-offense OWI is usually a civil offense, not a criminal charge, and typically carries a fine ranging between $150 to $300.
Whether Romo eventually returns is complicated by the fact that CBS still has $72 million remaining on his contract. According to John Ourand of Puck News, former Pro Bowl tight end and current Fox analyst Greg Olsen is one of two names CBS is eyeing as a potential long-term replacement for Romo alongside Watt.