JJ Watt Named CBS Full-Time Lead Analyst, Replacing Romo

JJ Watt is officially the voice of CBS Sports' biggest NFL games. The network announced a new multiyear deal on Thursday making Watt its full-time lead game analyst, filling the role previously held by Tony Romo, as reported by ESPN and The Associated Press.

Watt had been filling the role on an interim basis all season next to play-by-play man Jim Nantz and sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson. Now the interim tag is gone, and the former Texans star is locked in as the No. 1 analyst, including the booth for Super Bowl LXII in Atlanta in February 2028.

From studio rookie to the top booth

The climb has been fast. Watt, a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, joined CBS as a studio analyst in 2023, moved to the broadcast booth last season and got bumped to the top crew earlier this year after Romo went on personal leave. Romo was arrested after a July 23 traffic stop in Milwaukee on suspicion of operating a vehicle while under the influence. He pleaded no contest on Sept. 1 and had his driving privileges revoked for six months. CBS officially agreed to part ways with Romo earlier this month, ending his 10-year run at the network.

"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 in a statement. "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."

If you have been watching CBS's top game this fall, none of this is a surprise. Watt has sounded like a guy who was born for the job.

CBS is all in on JJ

CBS Sports chairman David Berson did not hold back. "I've had a front-row seat to JJ's growth as a top-tier broadcaster, watching him tackle this role just like he did his hall-of-fame playing career," Berson said. "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."

Watt, 37, retired after the 2022 season, wrapping a 12-year playing career with the Houston Texans and Arizona Cardinals. He sounds as fired up about this gig as he was about chasing quarterbacks. "I love this job and can't wait to see ya Sunday with Jim and Tracy and many more Sundays to come!" he said.

About that Peanut Punch

The Watt and Nantz pairing already has its first blooper. During last week's Bills at Raiders game, Watt was showing how ball carriers protect the football against the "Peanut Punch," the strip move named for former defensive back Charles "Peanut" Tillman. Nantz took a swing at the ball, hit his wrist hard on the football and grabbed his hand right away. He wore an ice pack after halftime and joked that he broke his wrist, but said in interviews this week that nothing was broken. At least Nantz is joking about it.

Next up for the crew is Sunday's Cincinnati Bengals at Baltimore Ravens game in Baltimore.

Smacktok pick: Nantz is in the booth next to Watt on Sunday. He is listed as probable for Bengals at Ravens after the wrist scare, and he says nothing is broken.