J.J. Watt Named Permanent Lead NFL Analyst for CBS Sports
The former NFL star replaces Tony Romo on a multi-year contract.
J.J. Watt has been officially named the permanent lead analyst for the NFL on CBS, signing a new multi-year contract with the network. The announcement was made by David Berson, Chairman of Skydance's Global Sports Group. Watt will continue to call the network's top NFL games alongside play-by-play announcer Jim Nantz and sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson.
Watt's new agreement extends through the 2027 season, which includes Super Bowl LXII in Atlanta. He stepped into the lead analyst role at the start of the current NFL season, filling the void left by Tony Romo.
Romo's departure from CBS followed an incident in July 2026, when he was arrested on a DUI charge in Wisconsin. CBS initially placed Romo on leave, and in October 2026, the network announced it had "mutually agreed to part ways" with its longtime analyst.
Watt, a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year and the 2017 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year, joined CBS Sports in 2023 as a studio analyst for "The NFL Today." He moved to the broadcast booth last season, calling games with Ian Eagle and Evan Washburn.
"I’ve had a front-row seat to J.J.’s growth as a top-tier broadcaster, watching him tackle this role just like he did his Hall-of-Fame playing career," Berson stated in a release. "He’s insightful, entertaining, passionate, meticulous in his preparation, and the ultimate teammate. He has a unique ability to see things and communicate to fans of all levels. We are thrilled to have him leading our NFL coverage."
Watt expressed his gratitude for the opportunity. "I am incredibly honored and grateful to have the opportunity to represent CBS Sports and all of the fantastic people who make this place so special," Watt said. "From the brotherhood of The NFL Today to my crews calling games, I couldn’t ask for better teammates alongside me on this television journey. I am thankful to David Berson for his leadership, vision and trust. I love this job and can’t wait to see ya Sunday with Jim and Tracy and many more Sundays to come!"