10/22/2026 10:28:00
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10/22 10:26 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
By JOE REEDY
AP Sports Writer
JJ Watt thought the call he was getting from David Berson on Monday was about
potentially breaking Jim Nantz's hand while doing a demonstration during the
Buffalo Bills-Las Vegas Raiders game.
Not only did Nantz turn out to be fine, although a bit sore, but the Chairman
of CBS' and Skydance's Sports Division had better news to deliver. He was
making Watt the permanent lead analyst for CBS Sports' NFL coverage.
The announcement was made Thursday morning along with Watt signing a multi-year
agreement.
"It's an incredible honor and it's humbling," Watt said in a video he posted on
social media. "There's only five seats that get to do this. I appreciate their
trust in me and I have an absolute blast doing it every single week and I
cannot wait to continue to do it."
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 and Nantz have already had some memorable moments in the booth. Last week,
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.
"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 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 CBS Sports in 2023 as a studio analyst on "The NFL Today" 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.
He is only the fourth CBS analyst since 1981. Hall of Famer John Madden held
the post from 1981 through 1993, when the network lost the rights to the NFL.
Phil Simms moved into the spot when CBS got the rights back in 1998 until 2016
and was followed by Romo.
Watt will also be in the booth when CBS carries Super Bowl 62 in Atlanta in
February 2028.
"I'll see you on Sunday and I'll see you at the Super Bowl next year," Watt
said to close the video.
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