Since former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo has been placed on leave, CBS had to make notable changes to its broadcast crews for the 2026 season.
Romo, who was arrested in Wisconsin on July 23 on suspicion of operating while under the influence, was essentially benched in favor of former Houston Texans star J.J. Watt. The future Hall of Famer spent last season working on the No. 2 crew with play-by-play announcer Ian Eagle and sideline reporter Evan Washburn.
“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 social media. “See you in Minnesota!”
Watt's spot on the No. 2 crew, meanwhile, will be filled by former NFL offensive lineman and longtime CBS Sports analyst Ross Tucker. He was previously working for the network's No. 6 crew.
As for other notable moves, CBS has promoted Logan Ryan to full-time game analyst. They've also added former Seattle Seahawks running back Robert Turbin to their announcer rotation.
Here are all six crews for the 2026 season:
- Jim Nantz, J.J. Watt and Tracy Wolfson
- Ian Eagle, Ross Tucker and Evan Washburn
- Kevin Harlan, Trent Green, and Melanie Collins
- Andrew Catalon, Logan Ryan and AJ Ross
- Spero Dedes, Adam Archuleta, and Aditi Kinkhabwala
- Tom McCarthy, Robert Turbin and Tiffany Blackmon
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports.
Will Romo ever return to CBS?
CBS Sports president and CEO David Berson was asked about Romo's situation during a network event this week. He couldn't really shed light on what's next for Romo.
"I hope you can respect and appreciate this is a personal matter, and a legal one for Tony. So I can’t speak to that aspect. But I can say this is an evolving situation. Therefore, we’re still assessing. There’s no timetable or final decision at this time. Since it continues to evolve, and we’re on the eve of the season, I felt it was very important that our team, the many, many people who work on the NFL on CBS, have certainty and direction so we can definitively plan," Berson said. "In making this decision, we had to consider the impact on our image and our brand. That’s very important to us. Whether the games, marketing, PR, social, the focus should be—and needs to be—on our presentation and this great product and not on any other factors. Fortunately, we have a very deep bench. I’m very proud of the way everybody is stepping up and responding. As you know, J.J. will join Jim and Tracy as the lead team in Tony’s absence. They are already knee-deep in planning. I have every confidence they’ll be great."
Romo has been with CBS Sports since the 2017 season. According to Andrew Marchand of The Athletic, CBS has been trying to “get out” of paying the remaining $72 million on Romo’s deal.
