RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 14 sourcesJ.J. Watt is getting promoted.
Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback and current top in-game analyst for CBS Sports Tony Romo has been placed on leave following his arrest earlier this month. In the meantime, top play-by-play voice Jim Nantz will now partner with the former Houston Texans defensive end for the upcoming 2026 NFL season.
Romo, who joined the broadcast booth with Nantz in 2018, was arrested last week on suspicion of driving while under the influence in Wisconsin. After an internal discussion, the broadcasting company announced that Romo would be "on leave" from his role until further notice.
Nantz, alongside with longtime sidelined reporter Tracy Wolfson, will remain in-tact while Watt will take over in the second chair for at least the start of the season, though with time, he could move into the booth permenantly.
For the time being, analyst JJ Watt will replace Tony Romo, and work alongside Jim Nantz and Tracy Wolfson. https://t.co/mop52FUDHM
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 31, 2026 A three-time Defensive Player of the Year and a Texans ' Ring of Honor recipient, Watt joined CBS in 2023 as a studio analyst for pre and postgame shows. Last year, he elected to move over to the broadcasting side in the booth, partnering with longtime broadcaster Ian Eagle.
Critics praised the move by CBS and considered the former Texans defensive end a star in the making behind the mic.
Watt, who remains the Texans' all-time leader in sacks, has been rumored to become the future No. 1 color analyst for CBS Sports once Romo either elected to retire or leave in the coming years. The only problem there was he still had several years on his current 10-year, $180 million contract signed back in 2020.
Now, Watt will have a chance to prove the future is now.
The Texans open the regular season at Reliant Stadium on Sept. 13 against the Buffalo Bills . And the broadcasting partner? CBS.
Could Watt make the trip back home for Week 1?
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Former Texans great J.J. Watt dubbed CBS Sports' new No.1, will replace Tony Romo
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