CBS Sports is making a major change just weeks before the start of the 2026 NFL season.
According to multiple reports, Tony Romo has been placed on leave “until further notice” following his recent OWI arrest in Wisconsin. In his absence, former NFL Defensive Player of the Year J.J. Watt will move into CBS’ lead broadcast booth alongside Jim Nantz and Tracy Wolfson.
Watt has quickly risen through the broadcasting ranks since joining CBS after his retirement. After earning praise calling games with Ian Eagle last season, he’ll now get the biggest assignment of his young broadcasting career, replacing one of the network’s highest-profile personalities.
The move comes after Romo’s arrest last week, which prompted CBS to announce that he is stepping away from his duties indefinitely while the situation unfolds. His long-term future with the network remains unclear, despite previously signing a reported 10-year, $180 million contract.
For many NFL fans, Watt’s promotion won’t come as a surprise. His energetic analysis and fresh perspective have drawn rave reviews, and some viewers had already been calling for him to receive a larger role before the latest developments.
Now he’ll have the opportunity to prove himself on the biggest stage in NFL broadcasting.
Whether this ends up being a short-term fill-in or the beginning of a permanent changing of the guard at CBS will likely depend on what happens with Romo in the weeks ahead.
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