10/22/2026 09:32:00
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10/22 09:31 CDT JJ Watt signs a multi-year deal to stay as CBS' lead NFL analyst
JJ Watt signs a multi-year deal to stay as CBS' lead NFL analyst
NEW YORK (AP) --- JJ Watt will continue to be the analyst on CBS Sports' lead
NFL team after signing a new multi-year agreement with the network on Thursday.
"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," David
Berson, the chairman of Skydance, said in a statement. "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. We are thrilled to have him leading our NFL coverage."
Watt joined play-by-play announcer Jim Nantz and sideline reporter Tracy
Wolfson after Tony Romo went on leave following his July 23 arrest in
Wisconsin. The former Dallas Cowboys quarterback pleaded no contest to charges
of operating a vehicle while intoxicated.
CBS announced on Oct. 2 that Romo would not return after the two sides "agreed
to part ways." Romo had been the lead game analyst for CBS' NFL coverage since
2017.
Watt joined CBS Sports in 2023 as a studio analyst on "The NFL Today" studio
show following a 12-year career with the Houston Texans and Arizona Cardinals.
He was a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, a five-time All-Pro
selection and the 2017 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year.
Watt moved to the booth in 2025 and called games on the No. 2 team with Ian
Eagle and Evan Washburn before being moved up to the top team this season.
"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. I am thankful to David Berson for his leadership, vision
and trust. I love this job and can't wait to see ya Sunday with Jim and Tracy
and many more Sundays to come!"
Watt will also be in the booth when CBS carries Super Bowl 62 in Atlanta in
February 2028.
Watt and Nantz had a funny moment during last week's Buffalo Bills-Las Vegas
Raiders game when Watt was showing how players try to protect the football from
defensive players attempting the "Peanut Punch," which is named after former
defensive back Charles "Peanut" Tillman. Nantz tried to knock the ball from
Watt, but hit his wrist hard on the football and immediately grabbed his hand.
Nantz had an ice pack on after halftime and joked that he broke his wrist, but
said during interviews this week nothing was broken. Nantz is probable to be in
the booth with Watt for Sunday's game between the Cincinnati Bengals and
Baltimore Ravens.
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See AP's full NFL coverage here
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