Romo faced charges of unsafe passing, possessing an open intoxicant, and initially refusing to undergo intoxication testing. In Romo’s absence, CBS tapped J.J. Watt to join Jim Nantz and Tracy Wolfson for Week 2’s matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers and New England Patriots, as well as the Week 3 meeting between the Dallas Cowboys and Baltimore Ravens in Rio de Janeiro.
Pro Football Talk reported that CBS announced its broadcast teams for Week 2 and Week 3, noting that the top team would continue to feature Jim Nantz and J.J. Watt, including the Ravens-C Cowboys game in Brazil.
There is broad speculation that Romo won’t return this year, with some suggesting he may never come back, potentially only leaving a buyout to be negotiated.
CBS outlined its broadcast plans roughly two weeks after Romo revealed on social media that he would plead no contest to the OWI-related charges. The former Cowboys quarterback also spoke openly about struggles with alcohol and painkillers, explaining that dependence on both increased as he dealt with ongoing back problems.
Romo has undergone two back surgeries, one to remove a spinal cyst and another to repair a herniated disk, procedures that left him with persistent, debilitating pain.
Since then, Romo has stated that he is working with medical professionals to address his health and make necessary changes. He also accepted responsibility for the incident that led to his arrest, saying, “These are my failures, and I take that responsibility for them.”
While his statement left the door open for a possible return, CBS has not publicly confirmed any timeline or decision regarding his future in the booth.
Romo’s legal penalties include an $834 fine, a six-month driver’s license suspension, and the installation of an ignition interlock device for at least a year after the suspension ends. He also agreed to a mandatory jail provision if he is arrested for another OWI within the next decade. These penalties, however, do not automatically end his CBS career.
Romo joined CBS in 2017 and signed a 10-year, $180 million contract in 2020, with the deal reportedly running through 2030 and roughly $72 million remaining. Rather than an immediate termination, CBS could pursue a settlement once his indefinite leave is resolved.
Industry observers have noted that CBS could face criticism if it fires Romo while he seeks treatment. Some commentators suggested that firing him during treatment could appear tone-deaf and might influence settlement dynamics for the remaining years on his contract.
J.J. Watt is making the most of the opportunity
Watt has begun calling games for CBS Sports, including Week 1’s matchup between the Minnesota Vikings and the Green Bay Packers. The football community has shown growing appreciation for his performance in the booth.
Watt’s move to the top broadcasting team drew praise from peers. NFL insider Peter Schrager highlighted Watt’s engaging take on broadcasts, and noted the chemistry Watt displayed with Ian Eagle when Watt was part of CBS’s No. 2 broadcast team. CBS leadership has also expressed positive views on Watt’s progress.
Watt’s advantage lies in the perspective he brings to the broadcast. While many top NFL broadcasts feature former quarterbacks as lead analysts, Watt provides insight into defensive schemes, pass protections, and the battles in the trenches.
During the Vikings-Packers game, Watt impressed viewers with his preparation, ability to anticipate defensive calls, effective use of statistics, and breakdowns of offensive line dynamics, including commentary on late-game defensive penalties.
The positive reception could complicate CBS’s decision if Romo seeks a return. For now, Watt has the opportunity to continue expanding his role beside Nantz, while Romo focuses on recovery.
CBS has not ruled out Romo, but the network’s scheduling move makes it clear that Watt will remain in the top booth in the near term, and his strong start may influence CBS’s next steps as the situation develops.
