Jim Nantz has been in contact with his CBS Sports colleague Tony Romo following the former NFL quarterback's arrest and subsequent leave of absence. Romo was charged with operating while intoxicated (OWI) after being pulled over in Wisconsin last month after a golf tournament.
Romo was absent from a CBS Sports media day ahead of the new NFL season, where CBS Sports president David Berson stated there is "no timetable or final decision" regarding his return. Police released bodycam footage showing Romo failing sobriety tests. He is scheduled to appear in court again on September 21, though his physical presence is not required.
In Romo's absence, CBS Sports has elevated J.J. Watt to join Nantz and reporter Tracy Wolfson as the network's lead NFL broadcast team. Ross Tucker will fill the vacancy on the No. 2 team alongside Ian Eagle.
Nantz, who was at the media day event with Watt, Eagle, and Tucker, shared that he learned of Romo's arrest while covering the PGA Tour's 3M Open. He indicated that while he and Romo have been in communication, he has focused on his own golf assignments. "Tony is a great friend of mine and has been for years," Nantz stated, emphasizing their long-standing relationship dating back to 2011. He added, "The contents of what we talked about, I'm just going to leave that private, and I think that's the only way and the appropriate way for me to look at it."
Nantz expressed confidence in J.J. Watt as Romo's temporary replacement, describing him as a "very, very talented communicator." Nantz highlighted Watt's accolades, including the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award and the Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year Award, suggesting these demonstrate leadership qualities applicable to broadcasting. "Maybe this is something that comes naturally for him," Nantz commented regarding Watt's ability to analyze football plays and engage with the community.
Nantz and Watt are scheduled to begin their collaboration in Week 1 of the NFL season for a divisional matchup between the Minnesota Vikings and the Green Bay Packers. CBS Sports president Berson emphasized that Romo's situation is a "personal matter, and a legal one," and that the network is still assessing the evolving situation. Berson noted that the decision to place Romo on leave was made to provide certainty for the NFL on CBS team as the season approaches and to ensure the focus remains on the broadcast product. "Fortunately, we have a very deep bench," Berson said, expressing confidence in the network's talent pool.
