CBS Quickly Announces Tony Romo’s Replacement As They Bench Longtime Analyst Following His Arr3st
Romo is on leave until further notice.
CBS Sports has officially announced who will replace Tony Romo in the booth while the longtime NFL analyst remains on leave.
In a statement shared Thursday, the network said Romo is away from his broadcasting duties “until further notice.”
ESPN insider Adam Schefter later reported that former All-Pro defensive end J.J. Watt will step into the lead analyst role alongside play-by-play announcer Jim Nantz and sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson.
The move comes days after Romo’s arrest in Milwaukee. The former Cowboys star was booked on suspicion of operating while intoxicated (OWI) last Thursday. He later received citations and is scheduled to appear in court on Sept. 21. Under Wisconsin law, a first-offense OWI is generally handled as a civil offense rather than a criminal charge.
CBS has also not offered additional details beyond confirming his leave of absence.
J.J. Watt Moves Into CBS’s Top NFL Broadcast Booth
JJ Watt (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Meanwhile, Watt is building quite the media CV.
His temporary promotion now places him alongside one of the league’s most recognizable broadcast teams as the regular season approaches.
Romo joined CBS in 2017, immediately after retiring from football. He quickly became one of the network’s signature voices thanks to his ability to predict offensive plays before the snap and explain quarterback decision-making in real time.
Although his broadcasting style has drawn mixed reviews in recent years, Romo has remained the lead analyst for CBS’s top NFL package, including multiple AFC Championship Games and Super Bowls.
CBS has made it clear that Watt will handle those responsibilities while he is away.
The network did not provide a timeline for Romo’s return, saying only that his leave will continue until further notice. That leaves Watt with an opportunity to showcase his abilities in one of the highest-profile analyst roles in sports television as preparations for the 2026 NFL season continue.
