During the recent Steelers-Patriots game, CBS lead announcer Jim Nantz appeared to miss or ignore commentary from his broadcasting partner, former NFL player JJ Watt, leading to a repeated anecdote about coach Mike McCarthy. The incident highlighted ongoing adjustments for Watt, who recently joined Nantz and Tracy Wolfson in the network's No. 1 NFL booth.
Nantz was detailing the narrative of Mike McCarthy returning to Pittsburgh, his hometown, to coach the Steelers and reunite with quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who played under McCarthy for 13 seasons in Green Bay. Nantz noted McCarthy's proximity to his childhood home and family.
Watt then offered additional context, recounting a prior conversation with McCarthy. He described McCarthy's emotional state upon receiving the game ball from Rodgers after a win, emphasizing the significance of the moment. However, Nantz proceeded to retell the same story, seemingly without acknowledging Watt's contribution.
This is Watt's second game in the top booth, following Tony Romo's temporary leave from CBS after an OWI arrest in July. Romo was arrested in Wisconsin on July 23 and later pleaded no contest to the charge, with other citations dismissed. CBS placed Romo on leave "until further notice." The network has not announced a return date for Romo.
Watt, Nantz, and Wolfson are scheduled to call the Ravens vs. Cowboys game for Week 3.