Defensive end J.J. Watt #99 of the Arizona Cardinals watches from the sidelines during the second half against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium on October 17, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio; Tony Romo at Super Bowl LVIII on Sunday, February 11, 2024, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada
Defensive end J.J. Watt #99 of the Arizona Cardinals watches from the sidelines during the second half against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium on October 17, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio; Tony Romo at Super Bowl LVIII on Sunday, February 11, 2024, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada
JJ Watt addressed his promotion to CBS’ lead NFL analyst, replacing Tony Romo amid Romo’s legal troubles
Tony Romo was arrested for an alleged OWI in July and placed on indefinite leave by CBS Sports
CBS Sports is still evaluating Romo’s future while considering the impact on the network’s image and brand
JJ Watt is opening up about his broadcast promotion for the first time.
On Tuesday, Aug. 11, the retired NFL star, 37, addressed CBS’ decision to elevate him to a lead NFL analyst for the upcoming season, replacing Tony Romo after the former Dallas Cowboys quarterback’s July arrest for an alleged OWI.
“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 wrote on X.
Former Houston Texans player J.J. Watt speaks during his ring of honor ceremony during an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday at NRG Stadium on October 1, 2023 in Houston, Texas
Former Houston Texans player J.J. Watt speaks during his ring of honor ceremony during an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday at NRG Stadium on October 1, 2023 in Houston, Texas
He concluded, “See you in Minnesota!”
Watt joined CBS Sports in 2023 as a studio analyst for The NFL Today after retiring from the NFL. In 2025, he moved into the broadcast booth as a game analyst alongside play-by-play announcer Ian Eagle on the network’s No. 2 team.
Earlier on Aug. 11, CBS Sports president David Berson said that Romo’s future as its lead NFL game analyst is still to be determined while speaking at media day for NFL on CBS.
“It’s an evolving situation, and therefore we’re still assessing,” Berson said during the news conference, per The New York Times, adding, “There’s no timetable or final decision at this time.”
Take PEOPLE with you!Subscribe to PEOPLE magazine to get the latest details on celebrity news, exclusive royal updates, how-it-happened true crime stories and more — right to your mailbox.
Tony Romo attends the 2022 Paramount Upfront at 666 Madison Avenue on May 18, 2022 in New York City
Tony Romo attends the 2022 Paramount Upfront at 666 Madison Avenue on May 18, 2022 in New York City
He said, “I hope you can respect and appreciate this is a personal matter and a legal one,” per USA Today.
Romo, 46, was arrested on suspicion of operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OWI) in Milwaukee on July 23.
The CBS broadcaster was in his home state for a golf tournament when he was pulled over along Interstate 43. Authorities noted he performed poorly on standard field sobriety tests. Bodycam footage from the scene indicated that he refused a breathalyzer test.
JJ Watt on Sunday, February 11, 2024, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada for Super Bowl LVIII.
JJ Watt on Sunday, February 11, 2024, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada for Super Bowl LVIII.
Romo was taken into custody, booked and released. His court appearance is scheduled for Sept. 21.
The retired Dallas Cowboys star and elite amateur golfer was put on leave “until further notice” by his employer on July 31.
As the network discusses Romo’s future, Berson said it has “to consider the impact on our image and our brand,” per The New York Times.
“That’s very important to us,” he said.