J.J. Watt addressed Tony Romo’s arrest last month, which led to the former Houston Texans star taking over Romo’s spot in the CBS Sports broadcasting booth.
“Haven’t said much because it’s not the circumstances you’d hope it would happen under, but I’m incredibly excited about this opportunity and look forward to working with a legendary team in Jim Nantz, Tracy Wolfson, Jim Rikhoff and the entire CBS lead crew,” Watt, 37, posted via X on Tuesday, August 11. “See you in Minnesota!”
Watt will join legendary play-by-play announcer Nantz, 67, in Romo’s absence, with the new duo’s first game on September 13, when the Minnesota Vikings host the Green Bay Packers in Week 1.
Since retiring from the NFL in 2022 after a 12-year career, Watt has been working with play-by-play man Ian Eagle on CBS Sports’ No. 2 crew. With Watt’s promotion, former NFL lineman Ross Tucker has been elevated to fill the vacancy alongside Eagle, 57.
CBS Sports president David Berson said the network had still not made a definitive judgment about Romo’s future on Tuesday.
“It’s an evolving situation and we are still assessing,” Berson said at NFL on CBS media day. “There is no timetable or final decision at this time.”
Berson added, “We have to consider the impact on our image and our brand. That’s very important to us. The focus should be and needs to be on our presentation and this great product and not on any others. Fortunately, we have a deep bench and everybody is stepping up.”
Romo was placed on leave “until further notice,” a CBS representative told Us in a statement on July 31.
The former Dallas Cowboys quarterback was arrested in Wisconsin on July 23 on suspicion of operating a vehicle while under the influence.
Romo failed multiple field sobriety tests after being pulled over, which came shortly after Romo competed in the 2026 Wisconsin Amateur Championship golf tournament.
An “open bottle of an alcoholic beverage” was found on the passenger’s side of Romo’s Jeep, according to one of three citations released by the Milwaukee Sheriff’s Office.
The bottle was discovered when Romo’s vehicle was searched before being towed. The citation does not say what kind of alcohol was found.
Romo was also issued a citation for “refusing to take test for intoxication after arrest,” according to court records viewed by Us.
A court date has been set for September 21. Us has reached out to Romo’s attorney for comment.
