CBS Sports has promoted analyst Ross Tucker to its No. 2 NFL broadcast booth, a move that comes as the network navigates uncertainty surrounding Tony Romo's future. Tucker will join play-by-play announcer Ian Eagle and reporter Evan Washburn. This shift places J.J. Watt, who previously worked with Eagle, into the network's top broadcast team alongside Jim Nantz.
The shakeup follows Tony Romo's indefinite leave from broadcasting after his arrest for operating while intoxicated in Wisconsin on July 23. CBS Sports president David Berson stated that the network is still assessing the situation and has not set a timetable for Romo's return, emphasizing that it is a personal and legal matter for the analyst.
This promotion marks a significant advancement for Tucker, a former NFL offensive lineman. Last season, he called select NFL games for CBS alongside Tom McCarthy and also contributed to college football coverage for the network and NFL games for Westwood One. His new role offers his most prominent opportunity to date in broadcasting.
Romo, who has been the lead CBS NFL analyst since 2017, is in the seventh year of a 10-year, $180 million contract signed in 2020. The contract reportedly includes a standard morals clause, but it remains unclear if his arrest could lead to termination.
Berson acknowledged that Romo's situation factored into the network's decision-making, citing the importance of maintaining the network's image and brand. "The focus should be and needs to be on our presentation and this great product and not on any others," Berson said. He also noted the depth of talent within CBS Sports, stating, "Fortunately, we have a deep bench and everybody is stepping up."