NFL on CBS broadcaster JJ Watt is addressing the circumstances surrounding his promotion to the No. 1 commentary team for the network’s upcoming season.
Watt, who had been with the company for the past few seasons and became one of the most popular color commentators in the league, will now be the top analyst after Tony Romo’s arrest.
Romo was taken into custody on July 23 after being charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated in Milwaukee.
Now, Watt will take his place. In a post to X, the former pass rusher addressed his promotion to join play-by-play man Jim Nantz and sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson.
‘Haven’t said much because it’s not the circumstances you’d hope it would happen under,’ Watt said on his account.
‘But I’m incredibly excited about this opportunity and look forward to working with a legendary team in Jim Nantz, Tracy Wolfson, [broadcast producer] Jim Rikhoff and the entire CBS lead crew. See you in Minnesota!’
JJ Watt has broken his silence after being promoted to the No. 1 color commentator spot
Watt takes over from Tony Romo, who has been placed on leave after a suspected DWI
Watt has been a broadcaster with CBS since 2023 after retiring from football
Join the discussion
Should broadcasters face permanent career consequences for off-field mistakes like Romo’s arrest?
In the photo, Watt included his game notes for the CBS contest between the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings.
Watt has been on the air since 2023 after his NFL retirement, taking over for Charles Davis on the network’s No. 2 broadcast team alongside Ian Eagle.
Romo has been placed on leave by the network ‘until further notice’ after his arrest.
On Tuesday, CBS Sports president David Berson said there was ‘no timetable’ for Romo’s return.
‘It’s an evolving situation and we are still assessing,’ Berson said. ‘There is no timetable or final decision at this time.’
The executive added: ‘I hope you can respect and appreciate this is a personnel matter and a legal one for Tony, so I can’t speak to that aspect of things.’
Romo was arrested and received three citations after he was seen passing in a ‘gore area’ – a triangular part of a highway separating the main road from an exit/entrance ramp.
He performed poorly in field sobriety tests, was taken into custody, was booked and then was released. Romo is facing over $1,500 in fines.
