JJ Watt will remain CBS Sports’ lead NFL game analyst under a new multiyear contract, keeping the former three-time Defensive Player of the Year alongside play-by-play voice Jim Nantz and sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson.
The agreement ensures Watt will be part of CBS’ top broadcast team for Super Bowl 62 in Atlanta in February 2028. He took over the No. 1 analyst role this season after Tony Romo’s departure from the network.
Watt’s rise to CBS’ top booth
- Watt joined CBS Sports in 2023 following his 12 NFL seasons with the Houston Texans and Arizona Cardinals, initially working as a studio analyst on The NFL Today.
- In 2025, he shifted into game coverage on CBS’ No. 2 crew with Ian Eagle and Evan Washburn.
- He moved to the lead team this season, joining Nantz and Wolfson after Romo took leave following his July 23 arrest in Wisconsin on an operating-while-intoxicated charge.
- Romo later entered a no-contest plea, and CBS announced Oct. 2 that it had mutually agreed to separate from the former Dallas Cowboys quarterback, who had been its primary NFL analyst since 2017.
- Thursday’s new deal formalized Watt’s place as CBS’ long-term lead analyst.
David Berson, Skydance’s chairman, praised Watt’s transition from the field to television, saying the former defensive star approaches broadcasting with the same preparation and competitiveness that defined his playing career. Berson said Watt brings insight, energy and an ability to explain the game to viewers at every level.
Watt said he was grateful for the chance to represent CBS Sports and credited the colleagues around him, from the studio staff to his broadcast crews. He said he enjoys the work and is looking forward to many more Sundays with Nantz and Wolfson.
Accomplished playing résumé
Before entering television, Watt built one of the era’s most decorated defensive careers. He won NFL Defensive Player of the Year three times, earned five All-Pro honors and received the 2017 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award.
Nantz expected back after sideline demonstration mishap
Watt and Nantz also created an unexpected on-air moment during last week’s Buffalo Bills-Las Vegas Raiders broadcast. While Watt demonstrated how ball carriers brace the football against the “Peanut Punch” strip attempt associated with former defensive back Charles “Peanut” Tillman, Nantz tried to knock the ball free and struck his wrist against it.
Nantz wore an ice pack after halftime and joked that he had broken his wrist. He said later in the week that there was no break and is expected to be in the booth Sunday when the Cincinnati Bengals face the Baltimore Ravens.
