JJ Watt will be the full-time lead NFL game analyst for CBS Sports, filling the role previously held by Tony Romo.
CBS Sports announced a new multiyear agreement Thursday for Watt, the former NFL star defensive lineman who had been working on an interim basis this season as the network’s lead analyst.
“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. “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.”
Watt, a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, joined CBS as a studio analyst in 2023 and moved to the broadcast booth last season. He was elevated to the network’s top game broadcast team earlier this year, joining longtime play-by-play announcer Jim Nantz and sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson, after Romo went on personal leave following his drunken driving arrest in July.
CBS Sports chairman David Berson said in a statement that Watt “has a unique ability to see things and communicate to fans of all levels.”
“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,” Berson 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.”
“I am thankful to David Berson for his leadership, vision and trust,” Watt said. “I love this job and can’t wait to see ya Sunday with Jim and Tracy and many more Sundays to come!”
Watt, 37, retired after the 2022 season, ending his 12-year playing career with the Houston Texans and Arizona Cardinals.
CBS Sports officially agreed to part ways with Romo earlier this month, ending the former Dallas Cowboys quarterback’s 10-year stint at the network. Romo was arrested after a July 23 traffic stop in Milwaukee on suspicion of operating a vehicle while under the influence. He pleaded no contest on Sept. 1 and had his driving privileges revoked for six months.
Watt will be in the booth when CBS carries Super Bowl LXII in Atlanta in February 2028.
Watt and Nantz had a funny moment during last week’s Buffalo Bills–Las Vegas Raiders game when Watt was showing how players try to protect the football from defensive players attempting the “Peanut Punch,” which is named after former defensive back Charles “Peanut” Tillman. Nantz tried to knock the ball from Watt, but hit his wrist hard on the football and immediately grabbed his hand.
Nantz had an ice pack on after halftime and joked that he broke his wrist, but said during interviews this week nothing was broken. Nantz is probable to be in the booth with Watt for Sunday’s game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Baltimore Ravens.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
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