CBS Sports and Tony Romo mutually agreed to part ways this Friday, ending a partnership that started in April of 2017.
Romo was arrested on July 23 and charged with unsafe passing on the right, operating a vehicle while intoxicated and possessing open intoxicants. He was placed on leave before Week 1 of the season, opening the door for J.J. Watt to become the lead color commentator for CBS Sports.
After weeks of speculation, CBS finally confirmed that Romo won’t be coming back.
“CBS Sports and Tony Romo have mutually agreed to part ways. We thank Tony for his contributions over the past nine years and wish him the best moving forward,” the network said. “JJ Watt will continue to partner with Jim Nantz and Tracy Wolfson on our lead NFL announce team for the rest of the season. All other teams remain the same, including Ian Eagle, Ross Tucker and Evan Washburn.”
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According to Andrew Marchand of The Athletic, CBS didn’t just move on from Romo due to his legal situation. The network wanted to cut down on the money they owe him.
Romo had four years and $72 million remaining on his $180 million contract with CBS. He most likely cut a lucrative settlement with the network.
“Romo is not gone from CBS only because of his July OWI in Milwaukee. No, the settlement on the final four seasons and $72 million of his 10-year, $180 million contract came because CBS wanted to break free of Romo’s unpredictability, lack of preparation and unreliability,” Marchand wrote.
“The arrest was not the reason — it was the excuse. It allowed CBS Sports president David Berson to audible to future Hall of Famer J.J. Watt as Nantz’s new partner. If Romo were still the “next Madden,” it would have been a different conversation since July, and he probably would be on your TV this Sunday. Everyone would have said Romo made a mistake in Wisconsin and focused on the fact that it was only a misdemeanor there.”
Excellent opportunity for Watt.
Now that Romo is officially out of the picture, the focus shifts over to Watt.
If Watt aces his 2026 season as the lead analyst for CBS Sports, he could earn the full-time job alongside Nantz.
CBS is sending Nantz and Watt to Allegiant Stadium this weekend to cover an AFC West showdown between the Kansas City Chiefs and Las Vegas Raiders.
