J.J. Watt lands a multiyear deal as CBS Sports' full-time lead NFL analyst, replacing Tony Romo

J.J. Watt is now CBS Sports' lead NFL game analyst for good. The network announced a new multiyear agreement Thursday that makes the former defensive star the full-time successor to Tony Romo in its top broadcast booth.

Watt, 37, had been filling the role on an interim basis this season alongside play-by-play voice Jim Nantz and sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson. He moved up to the No. 1 crew after Romo went on personal leave following a drunken driving arrest in July.

"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. "I love this job and can't wait to see ya Sunday with Jim and Tracy and many more Sundays to come!"

From the studio to the top booth

Watt joined the network as a studio analyst in 2023, a year after he retired from a 12-year playing career with the Houston Texans and Arizona Cardinals. He won NFL Defensive Player of the Year three times. He moved into the game booth last season before being elevated to the lead team this year.

CBS Sports chairman David Berson praised his rise. "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."

Romo's exit

CBS formally agreed to part ways with Romo earlier this month, ending the former Dallas Cowboys quarterback's 10-year run at the network. 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 lost his driving privileges for six months.

Up next

Watt and Nantz call Sunday's Cincinnati Bengals-Baltimore Ravens game. Nantz is expected to be in the booth after joking that he broke his wrist trying a "Peanut Punch" on Watt's football during last week's broadcast; he has since said nothing was broken. Watt is also in line to call Super Bowl LXII in Atlanta in February 2028.