CBS Names Permanent Tony Romo Broadcast Replacement

No one would’ve guessed a few months ago that Tony Romo would be out of a job and the No. 1 broadcast team for CBS would have a much different sound opposite play-by-pay announcer Jim Nantz.

But after Romo found himself in trouble following his DUI arrest in July, that’s exactly what’s happened. With questions about his future with the company up in the air, CBS cut Romo loose at the beginning of October in a move that most saw coming but some disagreed with, including Nantz.

"I had no role in this — I think you know that,” Nantz said on the “Traina Thoughts” podcast. “I think that's the way that it had to be. It was going to be CBS Sports' decision and David Berson. I had no role in that whatsoever."

Romo had worked alongside Nantz as the color commentator for CBS’ No. 1 broadcast team since 2017. He signed a monster $180 million contract extension back in 2020 — a deal the network reportedly wasn’t pleased about signing and had reportedly looked for a reason to get out of, which Romo’s DUI presented.

Houston Texans legend J.J. Watt was named Romo’s interim replacement while the network weighed its options, but on Thursday, CBS made Watt’s promotion permanent, signing him to a multi-year deal to remain the color commentator on the top broadcast team.

“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,” Skydance chairman Davis Berson said in a release.

“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.”

Watt joined CBS in 2023 as an analyst on “The NFL Today” and moved to the broadcast booth in 2025. He worked on CBS’ No. 2 crew with Ian Eagle and Evan Washburn before getting the bump up to work with Nantz and Tracy Wolfson this year.

Next summer will be one to watch with several premier broadcasting free agents hitting the market.

Romo will presumably land another gig, Troy Aikman doesn’t appear to be re-signing with ESPN to continue as the “Monday Night Football” color commentator next to Joe Buck, and Fox’s Greg Olsen is set to hit the market with his contract expiring this year.

Olsen has been rumored to be ESPN’s top target to replace Aikman on “MNF.”