JJ Watt proves to be a solid replacement for Tony Romo as CBS’s No 1 analyst
The Guardian • • sports
Key Points:
- CBS analyst JJ Watt highlighted the strategic battle between Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray and his former head coach, now Packers defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon, during Minnesota’s 39-22 comeback win over Green Bay.
- Watt, elevated to CBS’s No. 1 NFL broadcast team after Tony Romo’s July arrest and subsequent leave, provided strong defensive insights despite limited chemistry with play-by-play partner Jim Nantz.
- Tony Romo, who pleaded no contest to a DUI charge, remains on indefinite leave with no clear timeline for his return to CBS; the network has yet to announce a decision on his future.
- Watt’s appointment marks a rare instance of a defensive player serving as lead analyst on an NFL broadcast, breaking the tradition of offensive, often quarterback, analysts in that role.
- CBS is expected to assign Watt to the No. 1 broadcast team for upcoming weeks, signaling confidence in his abilities and possibly indicating Romo may not return to that position in 2026.
