19 days ago
Rookies from across the NFL made their debuts in Week 1 of the regular season. One Houston Texans legend, made his debut in a very different lead role.
J.J. Watt, who finished No. 1 in Chron's Top 25 Texans Ranking and current CBS Sports ******* yst, took the No. 1 color commentator role alongside CBS play-by-play announcer Jim Nantz for Sunday's tilt between the Minnesota Vikings and the Green Bay Packers. Watt replaced Tony Romo, of Dallas Cowboys fame, in the top spot after the former quarterback went on indefinite leave following his arrest on suspicion of operating a vehicle while intoxicated in Wisconsin earlier this summer.
Nantz warmly welcomed Watt to the broadcast during the CBS pregame show "NFL Today," and studio host James Brown was collegial in acknowledging the new duo.
"Jim Nantz and J.J. Watt … that rolls right off your tongue," Brown said. "What do you have?"
Nantz, a legendary University of Houston alum, replied with his classic, "Hello, friend," and began pontificating about the Texans-Bills matchup before turning to his left towards Watt and stating he was excited about "being with this guy."
#week
J.J. Watt, who finished No. 1 in Chron's Top 25 Texans Ranking and current CBS Sports ******* yst, took the No. 1 color commentator role alongside CBS play-by-play announcer Jim Nantz for Sunday's tilt between the Minnesota Vikings and the Green Bay Packers. Watt replaced Tony Romo, of Dallas Cowboys fame, in the top spot after the former quarterback went on indefinite leave following his arrest on suspicion of operating a vehicle while intoxicated in Wisconsin earlier this summer.
Nantz warmly welcomed Watt to the broadcast during the CBS pregame show "NFL Today," and studio host James Brown was collegial in acknowledging the new duo.
"Jim Nantz and J.J. Watt … that rolls right off your tongue," Brown said. "What do you have?"
Nantz, a legendary University of Houston alum, replied with his classic, "Hello, friend," and began pontificating about the Texans-Bills matchup before turning to his left towards Watt and stating he was excited about "being with this guy."
#week
19 days ago
Patriots-Steelers Broadcast Crew Features Fascinating Family Connection originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The New England Patriots will receive CBS' top broadcast treatment for their Week 2 home opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Jim Nantz will handle play-by-play alongside new lead ***** yst J.J. Watt, with Tracy Wolfson reporting from the sideline. The ***** ignment creates an especially compelling storyline because Watt will be ***** yzing a game featuring his younger brother, Steelers star T.J. Watt. CBS announced its Week 2 and Week 3 broadcasting ***** ignments Monday, according to The Athletic's Richard Deitsch. Deitsch noted that J.J. Watt remains on the network's No. 1 team, while longtime lead ***** yst Tony Romo was not included on the schedule.
The Patriots will host the Steelers on Sunday, Sept. 20, at 1 p.m. ET at Gillette Stadium. The game will air on CBS.
J.J. Watt will have to ***** yze one of the people he knows best. T.J. Watt remains the centerpiece of Pittsburgh's defense and one of the NFL's most disruptive pass rushers. His matchup with New England's offensive line could become one of the deciding factors in the game.
#lead
The New England Patriots will receive CBS' top broadcast treatment for their Week 2 home opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Jim Nantz will handle play-by-play alongside new lead ***** yst J.J. Watt, with Tracy Wolfson reporting from the sideline. The ***** ignment creates an especially compelling storyline because Watt will be ***** yzing a game featuring his younger brother, Steelers star T.J. Watt. CBS announced its Week 2 and Week 3 broadcasting ***** ignments Monday, according to The Athletic's Richard Deitsch. Deitsch noted that J.J. Watt remains on the network's No. 1 team, while longtime lead ***** yst Tony Romo was not included on the schedule.
The Patriots will host the Steelers on Sunday, Sept. 20, at 1 p.m. ET at Gillette Stadium. The game will air on CBS.
J.J. Watt will have to ***** yze one of the people he knows best. T.J. Watt remains the centerpiece of Pittsburgh's defense and one of the NFL's most disruptive pass rushers. His matchup with New England's offensive line could become one of the deciding factors in the game.
#lead
26 days ago
Airing a Super Bowl is a bit like a presidential election.
It might come around every four years, but candidates – in this case, the four networks with the privilege and pockets to be in the broadcast rotation – are constantly jockeying and positioning themselves, especially as their turn nears.
That makes CBS' conundrum with Tony Romo even more precarious. Super Bowl 61 will return to ABC/ESPN for the first time in two decades to end the 2026 season on Feb. 14, 2027, but then CBS will officially be on the clock for February 2028, when it will host its first Super-Bowl broadcast since 2023.
Romo, the network's No. 1 game ****** yst who partners with Jim Nantz, was arrested on suspicion of operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OWI) and pleaded no contest Sept. 2 to three charges he faced from the incident, which occurred while in his native Wisconsin on July 23. The subsequent police officer bodycam footage became Internet fodder, as Romo failed his field sobriety test, told the officer who pulled him over he was "going to see grandma and grandpa" (his own parents) and had an open container in the passenger seat.
In his first public comment since the arrest, Romo said via a Sept. 1 statement posted to his Instagram account, "I own this completely." He also noted an over-reliance on alcohol stemming from a dependence on pain medication following his playing career.
#romo #super #sept
It might come around every four years, but candidates – in this case, the four networks with the privilege and pockets to be in the broadcast rotation – are constantly jockeying and positioning themselves, especially as their turn nears.
That makes CBS' conundrum with Tony Romo even more precarious. Super Bowl 61 will return to ABC/ESPN for the first time in two decades to end the 2026 season on Feb. 14, 2027, but then CBS will officially be on the clock for February 2028, when it will host its first Super-Bowl broadcast since 2023.
Romo, the network's No. 1 game ****** yst who partners with Jim Nantz, was arrested on suspicion of operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OWI) and pleaded no contest Sept. 2 to three charges he faced from the incident, which occurred while in his native Wisconsin on July 23. The subsequent police officer bodycam footage became Internet fodder, as Romo failed his field sobriety test, told the officer who pulled him over he was "going to see grandma and grandpa" (his own parents) and had an open container in the passenger seat.
In his first public comment since the arrest, Romo said via a Sept. 1 statement posted to his Instagram account, "I own this completely." He also noted an over-reliance on alcohol stemming from a dependence on pain medication following his playing career.
#romo #super #sept
1 month ago
PEORIA — A teenaged rider has died from injuries suffered in a crash during a heat race on the card of the 79th Caterpillar Peoria TT national championship races in Peoria in late August, according to a statement Wednesday night by American Flat Track, the sport's national sanctioning body.
The motorcycle races were Saturday, Aug. 22, at Peoria Motorcycle Race Club, and were part of a national tour operated by AFT under the American Motorcycle ******* ociation.
Bayne Nantz, a 15-year-old riding a KTM 450 SX-F for Nantz Brothers Racing and competing as an amateur, crashed in a heat race for the AFT ProSport 450 main event as part of the Peoria TT racing card.
Peoria County Sheriff Chris Watkins and Peoria County Coroner Jamie Harwood in a statement Thursday morning said they are investigating a "fatal racing accident that occurred during the Peoria Motorcycle Club TT races on Aug. 22, 2026."
Nantz was in a collision involving three riders, and the sheriff's report says he was transported to OSF HealthCare Saint Francis Medical Center for treatment. He eventually died, at 10:31 p.m., on Tuesday, Sept. 1.
#nantz #race #national
The motorcycle races were Saturday, Aug. 22, at Peoria Motorcycle Race Club, and were part of a national tour operated by AFT under the American Motorcycle ******* ociation.
Bayne Nantz, a 15-year-old riding a KTM 450 SX-F for Nantz Brothers Racing and competing as an amateur, crashed in a heat race for the AFT ProSport 450 main event as part of the Peoria TT racing card.
Peoria County Sheriff Chris Watkins and Peoria County Coroner Jamie Harwood in a statement Thursday morning said they are investigating a "fatal racing accident that occurred during the Peoria Motorcycle Club TT races on Aug. 22, 2026."
Nantz was in a collision involving three riders, and the sheriff's report says he was transported to OSF HealthCare Saint Francis Medical Center for treatment. He eventually died, at 10:31 p.m., on Tuesday, Sept. 1.
#nantz #race #national
1 month ago
Tony Romo pleaded no contest Tuesday morning to his July arrest for driving while intoxicated in Wisconsin, then posted a 330-word statement explaining his dependence on alcohol and how he's getting help currently.
Romo, who played 13 seasons in the NFL with the Dallas Cowboys, was arrested July 23 in Milwaukee County and charged with operating while intoxicated (OWI). Following the arrest, CBS Sports placed Romo on leave after he had served with Jim Nantz as part of the network's No. 1 NFL broadcast duo since 2017. Houston Texans legend J.J. Watt has moved into Romo's spot alongside Nantz.
There has been no further announcement from the network about Romo's future with the company, but he made it clear Tuesday that he intends to return.
"I am deeply grateful for the support of my family, my friends and the NFL community, including players, coaches and owners. Your encouragement has meant more to me than you know," Romo wrote on the post he made on Instagram. "As I turn my attention to my health, my family, and, in time, my return to CBS, I kindly ask for privacy during this period. God bless."
Romo added that he's been dealing with "constant, debilitating pain" ever since his playing career ended at 36 years old following multiple back surgeries.
#july #intoxicated #return
Romo, who played 13 seasons in the NFL with the Dallas Cowboys, was arrested July 23 in Milwaukee County and charged with operating while intoxicated (OWI). Following the arrest, CBS Sports placed Romo on leave after he had served with Jim Nantz as part of the network's No. 1 NFL broadcast duo since 2017. Houston Texans legend J.J. Watt has moved into Romo's spot alongside Nantz.
There has been no further announcement from the network about Romo's future with the company, but he made it clear Tuesday that he intends to return.
"I am deeply grateful for the support of my family, my friends and the NFL community, including players, coaches and owners. Your encouragement has meant more to me than you know," Romo wrote on the post he made on Instagram. "As I turn my attention to my health, my family, and, in time, my return to CBS, I kindly ask for privacy during this period. God bless."
Romo added that he's been dealing with "constant, debilitating pain" ever since his playing career ended at 36 years old following multiple back surgeries.
#july #intoxicated #return
1 month ago
Will CBS fire Tony Romo? What we know about NFL ***** yst's future after DUI arrest originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Tony Romo's July arrest in Wisconsin for suspicion of operating while intoxicated (OWI) has shifted the dynamic of CBS' NFL broadcast plans for the 2026 season.
Not long after Romo's arrest on July 23, he was placed on leave from CBS, the network with which he went from retired NFL player to star in-game ***** yst next to Jim Nantz.
As the NFL season has approached, however, Romo's future at CBS has only become more unclear, leading to questions about whether he'll be back in the booth with the network at all.
Here's the latest on Romo's situation at CBS, when his legal case could be settled and more.
#arrest
Tony Romo's July arrest in Wisconsin for suspicion of operating while intoxicated (OWI) has shifted the dynamic of CBS' NFL broadcast plans for the 2026 season.
Not long after Romo's arrest on July 23, he was placed on leave from CBS, the network with which he went from retired NFL player to star in-game ***** yst next to Jim Nantz.
As the NFL season has approached, however, Romo's future at CBS has only become more unclear, leading to questions about whether he'll be back in the booth with the network at all.
Here's the latest on Romo's situation at CBS, when his legal case could be settled and more.
#arrest
1 month ago
All signs continue to point to Tony Romo's exit from CBS Sports being permanent, and it looks as if J.J. Watt could make his move into Romo's spot permanent as well.
Romo was arrested on suspicion of operating a vehicle while intoxicated in Wisconsin earlier this summer, and was later put on a leave of absence by CBS. With a September court date looming around the start of the season, Romo has not been part of the network's NFL broadcast plans.
Watt was promoted to the No. 1 NFL on CBS broadcast booth alongside announcer Jim Nantz while Romo is sidelined. The two will start the season in Minnesota for Vikings-Packers.
And according to The Athletic's sports media insider Andrew Marchand, the legendary defensive lineman has the inside track for the job long-term.
"It's definitely a tryout. I do think there's a very good chance he's a long-term answer," Marchand said this week on SportsWrap with Jason Page. "[CBS Sports president David] Berson hired him, and he did well with Ian Eagle. We'll see how he does with Jim Nantz."
#romo
Romo was arrested on suspicion of operating a vehicle while intoxicated in Wisconsin earlier this summer, and was later put on a leave of absence by CBS. With a September court date looming around the start of the season, Romo has not been part of the network's NFL broadcast plans.
Watt was promoted to the No. 1 NFL on CBS broadcast booth alongside announcer Jim Nantz while Romo is sidelined. The two will start the season in Minnesota for Vikings-Packers.
And according to The Athletic's sports media insider Andrew Marchand, the legendary defensive lineman has the inside track for the job long-term.
"It's definitely a tryout. I do think there's a very good chance he's a long-term answer," Marchand said this week on SportsWrap with Jason Page. "[CBS Sports president David] Berson hired him, and he did well with Ian Eagle. We'll see how he does with Jim Nantz."
#romo
2 months ago
NEW YORK — J.J. Watt never thought he'd go into the media after his NFL career. Now, Watt has the opportunity to become the permanent No. 1 game ***** yst for CBS Sports. If he ends up with the big microphone, it could reset the chessboard for NFL ***** ysts for years to come.
With Tony Romo on indefinite leave following his OWI arrest in Wisconsin, Watt has been temporarily promoted to CBS's lead NFL team, with play-by-play announcer Jim Nantz and Tracy Wolfson.
Naturally, Watt is ambivalent about seemingly capitalizing on a colleague's misfortune. But the 37-year-old will be ready to go Week 1 for CBS's telecast of Packers at Vikings.
During CBS's annual NFL preview in midtown Manhattan last week, I asked the former NFL Man of the Year what he could learn from the all-world sports TV duo of Nantz and Wolfson.
"Everything," answered Watt.
#sports #year #play #romo
With Tony Romo on indefinite leave following his OWI arrest in Wisconsin, Watt has been temporarily promoted to CBS's lead NFL team, with play-by-play announcer Jim Nantz and Tracy Wolfson.
Naturally, Watt is ambivalent about seemingly capitalizing on a colleague's misfortune. But the 37-year-old will be ready to go Week 1 for CBS's telecast of Packers at Vikings.
During CBS's annual NFL preview in midtown Manhattan last week, I asked the former NFL Man of the Year what he could learn from the all-world sports TV duo of Nantz and Wolfson.
"Everything," answered Watt.
#sports #year #play #romo
2 months ago
There is no timetable or final decision on Tony Romo's fate with CBS Sports, the company's president David Berson told reporters Tuesday afternoon at the annual NFL on CBS media day in New York.
"What I can say is it's an evolving situation, and therefore we're still **** sing," Berson said. "Since it continues to evolve, and we're on the eve of the season, I felt it's very important that our team, the many, many hundreds of people who work on the NFL and CBS, have certainty and direction, so we can definitively plan and focus on the production and marketing as we came off the season."
Romo, who was not in attendance in New York, was arrested in Wisconsin on July 23 on suspicion of operating under the influence. He was placed on indefinite leave by the company a week later, with JJ Watt replacing Romo on the network's top broadcast crew alongside Jim Nantz and Tracy Wolfson. Both Nantz and Wolfson told Yahoo Sports that they've been in contact with Romo since his arrest but they were keeping those conversations private and wouldn't speculate about if and when the former Dallas Cowboys quarterback would return to the broadcast booth.
"I don't want to begin to try to make a comment about that because that's going to be David's decision," Nantz told Yahoo Sports, referring to Berson. "Tony's been a friend of mine for a long time. He was a friend long before CBS put us in the group together. I'm thinking a lot about Tony and his wife, Candice. He's always been a friend of mine for as long as I go. We've always been with him, and naturally, we will be in touch with each other."
Romo, 46, is in the seventh year of a reported 10-year, $180 million contract with CBS, working alongside Nantz and Wolfson and calling three Super Bowls for the network. Berson called Romo's leave of absence a personal and legal issue and wouldn't comment further on his arrest. In deciding to put Romo on leave, Berson said he had to consider the impact on CBS' image and brand.
#friend
"What I can say is it's an evolving situation, and therefore we're still **** sing," Berson said. "Since it continues to evolve, and we're on the eve of the season, I felt it's very important that our team, the many, many hundreds of people who work on the NFL and CBS, have certainty and direction, so we can definitively plan and focus on the production and marketing as we came off the season."
Romo, who was not in attendance in New York, was arrested in Wisconsin on July 23 on suspicion of operating under the influence. He was placed on indefinite leave by the company a week later, with JJ Watt replacing Romo on the network's top broadcast crew alongside Jim Nantz and Tracy Wolfson. Both Nantz and Wolfson told Yahoo Sports that they've been in contact with Romo since his arrest but they were keeping those conversations private and wouldn't speculate about if and when the former Dallas Cowboys quarterback would return to the broadcast booth.
"I don't want to begin to try to make a comment about that because that's going to be David's decision," Nantz told Yahoo Sports, referring to Berson. "Tony's been a friend of mine for a long time. He was a friend long before CBS put us in the group together. I'm thinking a lot about Tony and his wife, Candice. He's always been a friend of mine for as long as I go. We've always been with him, and naturally, we will be in touch with each other."
Romo, 46, is in the seventh year of a reported 10-year, $180 million contract with CBS, working alongside Nantz and Wolfson and calling three Super Bowls for the network. Berson called Romo's leave of absence a personal and legal issue and wouldn't comment further on his arrest. In deciding to put Romo on leave, Berson said he had to consider the impact on CBS' image and brand.
#friend
2 months ago
Tony Romo is still sidelined by CBS weeks after the former Dallas Cowboys quarterback was arrested on suspicion of operating while intoxicated after being stopped while driving.
CBS Sports president David Berson confirmed Tuesday at "NFL on CBS" Media Day that the 46-year-old **** yst remains on indefinite leave from the network following his July 23 arrest in Milwaukee.
"It's an evolving situation and we are still **** sing. There is no timetable or final decision at this time," Berson said, the New York Post reports. "I hope you can respect and appreciate this is a personal matter and a legal one for Tony."
Romo was arrested after allegedly performing poorly on field sobriety tests and was later cited for refusing an intoxication test. In body camera footage, he told deputies he had been at a golf course and was on his way "to visit grandma and grandpa." Deputies also found an "open bottle of an alcoholic beverage" in the passenger side of Romo's Jeep before it was towed.
CBS put Romo on leave "until further notice" on July 31 as more details about his arrest surfaced. J.J. Watt has since stepped in as CBS' lead **** yst alongside play-by-play announcer Jim Nantz.
#romo #analyst #arrest
CBS Sports president David Berson confirmed Tuesday at "NFL on CBS" Media Day that the 46-year-old **** yst remains on indefinite leave from the network following his July 23 arrest in Milwaukee.
"It's an evolving situation and we are still **** sing. There is no timetable or final decision at this time," Berson said, the New York Post reports. "I hope you can respect and appreciate this is a personal matter and a legal one for Tony."
Romo was arrested after allegedly performing poorly on field sobriety tests and was later cited for refusing an intoxication test. In body camera footage, he told deputies he had been at a golf course and was on his way "to visit grandma and grandpa." Deputies also found an "open bottle of an alcoholic beverage" in the passenger side of Romo's Jeep before it was towed.
CBS put Romo on leave "until further notice" on July 31 as more details about his arrest surfaced. J.J. Watt has since stepped in as CBS' lead **** yst alongside play-by-play announcer Jim Nantz.
#romo #analyst #arrest
2 months ago
NEW YORK — CBS Sports is still "assessing" the Tony Romo situation, with no timetable set for his return.
That was the word from CBS Sports president and CEO David Berson at the network's annual talent press conference previewing the new NFL season. CBS put Romo on indefinite leave after his OWI arrest in his home state of Wisconsin in July. The 46-year-old Romo is due in court on Sept. 21.
The former Cowboys QB, who's entering his 10th season as CBS's No. 1 game ****** yst, was not present at Tuesday's press conference.
J.J. Watt, CBS's No. 2 game ****** yst, will replace Romo on the No. 1 team with play-by-play announcer Jim Nantz and sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson. Meanwhile, CBS announced on Tuesday that Ross Tucker will serve as the game ****** yst alongside play-by-play announcer Ian Eagle on its No. 2 team while Watt fills in for Romo.
Watt was in attendance Tuesday along with Nantz, Wolfson, and new CBS hires Russell Wilson and Kyle Long.
#romo #sports #wolfson #tuesday
That was the word from CBS Sports president and CEO David Berson at the network's annual talent press conference previewing the new NFL season. CBS put Romo on indefinite leave after his OWI arrest in his home state of Wisconsin in July. The 46-year-old Romo is due in court on Sept. 21.
The former Cowboys QB, who's entering his 10th season as CBS's No. 1 game ****** yst, was not present at Tuesday's press conference.
J.J. Watt, CBS's No. 2 game ****** yst, will replace Romo on the No. 1 team with play-by-play announcer Jim Nantz and sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson. Meanwhile, CBS announced on Tuesday that Ross Tucker will serve as the game ****** yst alongside play-by-play announcer Ian Eagle on its No. 2 team while Watt fills in for Romo.
Watt was in attendance Tuesday along with Nantz, Wolfson, and new CBS hires Russell Wilson and Kyle Long.
#romo #sports #wolfson #tuesday
2 months ago
All eyes and ears were on Tuesday's CBS NFL season preview press conference, given the current status of the network's top ***** yst, Tony Romo.
At the outset of the session, CBS Sports president David Berson addressed the pink elephant in the room.
"I know there's one topic that's been in the news a lot lately," Berson said, via Sean Keeley of Awful Announcing. "I know it's on people's minds here, so I'm gonna hit that right out of the gate, and that has to do with Tony Romo being on leave until further notice. I hope you can respect and appreciate that this is a personal matter and a legal one for Tony, so I can't speak to that aspect of things. What I can say is it's an evolving situation, and therefore we're still ***** sing.
"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's very important that our team, the many, many hundreds of people who work on the NFL on CBS, have certainty and direction so we can definitively plan and focus on the production and marketing as we kick off the season. In making this decision, we had to consider the impact on our image and on our brand. That's very important to us. Whether the games, marketing, P.R., 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, and I'm really proud of the way everyone's stepping up and responding. As you know, J.J. [Watt] will join Jim [Nantz] and Tracy [Wolfson] as our lead team in Tony's absence. They're already knee-deep in planning, and I have every confidence they'll be great."
#tony #season #berson #we 're
At the outset of the session, CBS Sports president David Berson addressed the pink elephant in the room.
"I know there's one topic that's been in the news a lot lately," Berson said, via Sean Keeley of Awful Announcing. "I know it's on people's minds here, so I'm gonna hit that right out of the gate, and that has to do with Tony Romo being on leave until further notice. I hope you can respect and appreciate that this is a personal matter and a legal one for Tony, so I can't speak to that aspect of things. What I can say is it's an evolving situation, and therefore we're still ***** sing.
"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's very important that our team, the many, many hundreds of people who work on the NFL on CBS, have certainty and direction so we can definitively plan and focus on the production and marketing as we kick off the season. In making this decision, we had to consider the impact on our image and on our brand. That's very important to us. Whether the games, marketing, P.R., 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, and I'm really proud of the way everyone's stepping up and responding. As you know, J.J. [Watt] will join Jim [Nantz] and Tracy [Wolfson] as our lead team in Tony's absence. They're already knee-deep in planning, and I have every confidence they'll be great."
#tony #season #berson #we 're
2 months ago
The biggest question CBS Sports had to answer at its media days on Tuesday was asked and answered in under three minutes.
After acknowledging the Tony Romo-sized elephant in the room, the network was forced to explain the down-ballot impact on the rest of its broadcast booths, with J.J. Watt being promoted to the lead booth alongside Jim Nantz and Tracy Wolfson after the former Dallas Cowboys quarterback was placed on indefinite leave following an OWI arrest.
If there's a silver lining, it's that Ian Eagle doesn't really have a type. He's called games with Dan Fouts, Charles Davis and now Watt at CBS, on top of a rotating cast of NBA and college basketball partners over the years, and he just tends to make whoever's next to him sound better. Watt basically said as much heading into this past season, giving Eagle the credit for chemistry that helped the two of them crack the top five of Awful Announcing's 2025 NFL announcer rankings. That flexibility is CBS's biggest ****** et here. This isn't a booth that lives or dies on one specific pairing.
CBS has elected to pair Eagle with Ross Tucker and Evan Washburn, as the two have done many Thursday Night Football broadcasts together on Westwood One before "The Bird" departed that role following the 2024 season. Initially, Tucker was seen as having "a pretty good chance" to fill the open spot alongside Andrew Catalon in the fourth booth, but Romo's arrest seems to have changed that calculus.
Tucker has been a fixture in CBS's NFL rotation since the 2023 season, regularly working alongside Tom McCarthy as part of the network's sixth broadcast crew. He also calls college football for CBS and handles radio duties for Westwood One's Thursday Night Football coverage, rotating with Devin McCourty alongside Kevin Kugler. The Princeton alum and former offensive lineman also hosts the Ross Tucker Football Podcast for DraftKings and calls Philadelphia Eagles preseason games on local television.
#eagle #night
After acknowledging the Tony Romo-sized elephant in the room, the network was forced to explain the down-ballot impact on the rest of its broadcast booths, with J.J. Watt being promoted to the lead booth alongside Jim Nantz and Tracy Wolfson after the former Dallas Cowboys quarterback was placed on indefinite leave following an OWI arrest.
If there's a silver lining, it's that Ian Eagle doesn't really have a type. He's called games with Dan Fouts, Charles Davis and now Watt at CBS, on top of a rotating cast of NBA and college basketball partners over the years, and he just tends to make whoever's next to him sound better. Watt basically said as much heading into this past season, giving Eagle the credit for chemistry that helped the two of them crack the top five of Awful Announcing's 2025 NFL announcer rankings. That flexibility is CBS's biggest ****** et here. This isn't a booth that lives or dies on one specific pairing.
CBS has elected to pair Eagle with Ross Tucker and Evan Washburn, as the two have done many Thursday Night Football broadcasts together on Westwood One before "The Bird" departed that role following the 2024 season. Initially, Tucker was seen as having "a pretty good chance" to fill the open spot alongside Andrew Catalon in the fourth booth, but Romo's arrest seems to have changed that calculus.
Tucker has been a fixture in CBS's NFL rotation since the 2023 season, regularly working alongside Tom McCarthy as part of the network's sixth broadcast crew. He also calls college football for CBS and handles radio duties for Westwood One's Thursday Night Football coverage, rotating with Devin McCourty alongside Kevin Kugler. The Princeton alum and former offensive lineman also hosts the Ross Tucker Football Podcast for DraftKings and calls Philadelphia Eagles preseason games on local television.
#eagle #night
2 months ago
The big question coming into CBS's NFL Media Day is what they'd have to say about high-priced **** yst Tony Romo, who is currently on indefinite leave following his arrest for OWI.
As expected, CBS Sports President David Berson kept things brief and to the point.
"I know there's one topic that's been in the news a lot lately. I know it's on people's minds here, so I'm gonna hit that right out of the gate, and that has to do with Tony Romo being on leave until further notice," Berson told the audience at the network's corporate headquarterson Tuesday. "I hope you can respect and appreciate that this is a personal matter and a legal one for Tony, so I can't speak to that aspect of things. What I can say is it's an evolving situation, and therefore we're still **** sing.
"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's very important that our team, the many, many hundreds of people who work on the NFL on CBS, have certainty and direction so we can definitively plan and focus on the production and marketing as we kick off the season. In making this decision, we had to consider the impact on our image and on 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, and I'm really proud of the way everyone's stepping up and responding. As you know, J.J. [Watt] will join Jim [Nantz] and Tracy [Wolfson] as our lead team in Tony's absence. They're already knee-deep in planning, and I have every confidence they'll be great.
#know #important
As expected, CBS Sports President David Berson kept things brief and to the point.
"I know there's one topic that's been in the news a lot lately. I know it's on people's minds here, so I'm gonna hit that right out of the gate, and that has to do with Tony Romo being on leave until further notice," Berson told the audience at the network's corporate headquarterson Tuesday. "I hope you can respect and appreciate that this is a personal matter and a legal one for Tony, so I can't speak to that aspect of things. What I can say is it's an evolving situation, and therefore we're still **** sing.
"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's very important that our team, the many, many hundreds of people who work on the NFL on CBS, have certainty and direction so we can definitively plan and focus on the production and marketing as we kick off the season. In making this decision, we had to consider the impact on our image and on 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, and I'm really proud of the way everyone's stepping up and responding. As you know, J.J. [Watt] will join Jim [Nantz] and Tracy [Wolfson] as our lead team in Tony's absence. They're already knee-deep in planning, and I have every confidence they'll be great.
#know #important
2 months ago
3-Time Pro Bowler floated as Tony Romo's permanent CBS replacement originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Tony Romo has called NFL games for CBS since 2017, pairing with Jim Nantz on the network's top broadcast team for nearly a decade. That partnership now faces a real threat of ending for good.
Romo's indefinite leave following a late July arrest has opened the door to speculation about who might permanently replace him, and one name has emerged as the clear favorite among industry insiders this week.
The speculation gained fresh momentum through recent reporting from Pro Football Network breaking down the industry's leading candidate to take over the lead **** yst chair at CBS.
CBS has already elevated J.J. Watt from its No. 2 broadcast team to fill in alongside Nantz and sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson while Romo remains on leave. Multiple insiders now describe Watt and Fox's Greg Olsen as the two names CBS is most seriously considering for the long-term role.
#romo #nantz #broadcast
Tony Romo has called NFL games for CBS since 2017, pairing with Jim Nantz on the network's top broadcast team for nearly a decade. That partnership now faces a real threat of ending for good.
Romo's indefinite leave following a late July arrest has opened the door to speculation about who might permanently replace him, and one name has emerged as the clear favorite among industry insiders this week.
The speculation gained fresh momentum through recent reporting from Pro Football Network breaking down the industry's leading candidate to take over the lead **** yst chair at CBS.
CBS has already elevated J.J. Watt from its No. 2 broadcast team to fill in alongside Nantz and sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson while Romo remains on leave. Multiple insiders now describe Watt and Fox's Greg Olsen as the two names CBS is most seriously considering for the long-term role.
#romo #nantz #broadcast
2 months ago
Tony Romo's job at CBS called into question amid 'uncontrollable' concerns originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Tony Romo built his second career as one of the most recognizable voices in football, calling games alongside Jim Nantz on CBS since 2017. That partnership now hangs in serious doubt.
Arrests last month have turned into something far bigger than a single offseason headline, and fallout is now reaching executives who decide who sits in the broadcast booth.
CBS placed Romo on indefinite leave following his July 23 arrest, and industry insiders increasingly believe he will not return to lead ******* yst chair.
The situation first drew wide attention through a recent post detailing the New York Post's reporting on how CBS insiders now view Romo's future with the network.
#tony #source #nantz #july
Tony Romo built his second career as one of the most recognizable voices in football, calling games alongside Jim Nantz on CBS since 2017. That partnership now hangs in serious doubt.
Arrests last month have turned into something far bigger than a single offseason headline, and fallout is now reaching executives who decide who sits in the broadcast booth.
CBS placed Romo on indefinite leave following his July 23 arrest, and industry insiders increasingly believe he will not return to lead ******* yst chair.
The situation first drew wide attention through a recent post detailing the New York Post's reporting on how CBS insiders now view Romo's future with the network.
#tony #source #nantz #july
2 months ago
CBS might not be rooting for a reunion with Tony Romo, but Stephen A. Smith hopes the former NFL quarterback gets back to the network.
In the wake of being arrested on suspicion of operating while intoxicated last week in Milwaukee, CBS placed Romo on leave "until further notice." With no timetable for his return, Romo has already been replaced by J.J Watt in their lead NFL booth alongside Jim Nantz and Tracy Wolfson.
The decision to quickly replace Romo with a budding star in the booth like Watt has many wondering whether CBS is ready to move on from their lead **** yst of the last nine seasons. Stephen A. Smith, however, believes we haven't seen the last of Romo.
"I think so," Smith said on his SiriusXM Radio show after a caller asked whether we'll see Romo back on-air this season. "God bless him. It was a mistake to put himself in that position. But it happens from time to time. Thank God **** ody was hurt or anything like that. Can't get behind the wheel of a car inebriated in any way. Can't even give that impression. That's a very, very serious transgression, and we can't minimize that.
"But in the same breath, he's been a good dude, he's always been a good dude, and **** ody's perfect. People make mistakes. And hopefully he can move on from here and live his best life and continue to do the great work he's been doing for CBS."
#lead #booth
In the wake of being arrested on suspicion of operating while intoxicated last week in Milwaukee, CBS placed Romo on leave "until further notice." With no timetable for his return, Romo has already been replaced by J.J Watt in their lead NFL booth alongside Jim Nantz and Tracy Wolfson.
The decision to quickly replace Romo with a budding star in the booth like Watt has many wondering whether CBS is ready to move on from their lead **** yst of the last nine seasons. Stephen A. Smith, however, believes we haven't seen the last of Romo.
"I think so," Smith said on his SiriusXM Radio show after a caller asked whether we'll see Romo back on-air this season. "God bless him. It was a mistake to put himself in that position. But it happens from time to time. Thank God **** ody was hurt or anything like that. Can't get behind the wheel of a car inebriated in any way. Can't even give that impression. That's a very, very serious transgression, and we can't minimize that.
"But in the same breath, he's been a good dude, he's always been a good dude, and **** ody's perfect. People make mistakes. And hopefully he can move on from here and live his best life and continue to do the great work he's been doing for CBS."
#lead #booth
2 months ago
Tony Romo has been placed on leave by CBS Sports "until further notice" following his July 23 arrest in Milwaukee on suspicion of operating a vehicle while under the influence.
J.J. Watt will replace Romo during the former Dallas Cowboys quarterback's absence and work alongside Jim Nantz and Tracy Wolfson.
Romo, 46, was stopped going southbound on I-43 and "performed poorly on SFSTs (standard field sobriety tests)," according to the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office's arrest report.
He has a court date set for Sept. 21.
Romo has been CBS Sports' lead NFL ***** yst since 2017 following his retirement from the league. He spent his entire 13-year playing career with the Dallas Cowboys, rising from an undrafted free agent to a four-time Pro Bowl selection and the franchise's all-time leader in touchdown passes.
#romo #sports #dallas #tony
J.J. Watt will replace Romo during the former Dallas Cowboys quarterback's absence and work alongside Jim Nantz and Tracy Wolfson.
Romo, 46, was stopped going southbound on I-43 and "performed poorly on SFSTs (standard field sobriety tests)," according to the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office's arrest report.
He has a court date set for Sept. 21.
Romo has been CBS Sports' lead NFL ***** yst since 2017 following his retirement from the league. He spent his entire 13-year playing career with the Dallas Cowboys, rising from an undrafted free agent to a four-time Pro Bowl selection and the franchise's all-time leader in touchdown passes.
#romo #sports #dallas #tony
2 months ago
CBS Sports placed Tony Romo on leave Friday morning, "until further notice," in its first public statement since his OWI arrest in Milwaukee last week
"Tony Romo is on leave from his role at CBS Sports until further notice," the network said in a statement.
Awful Announcing has learned that JJ Watt will join Jim Nantz and Tracy Wolfson as the network's lead NFL broadcast team during Romo's absence, with CBS set to release the rest of its NFL on CBS roster at a later date.
Boomer Esiason told his radio audience barely a day earlier that he didn't expect CBS to comment on the situation at all, a read that lined up with how the network had handled things all week. The Daily Mail had reported days earlier that CBS executives had already closed ranks around Romo, with one source telling the outlet, "I don't want to act like it's not a big deal, because it is. But it's not going to get him fired." A second characterized the arrest as a "lapse in judgment" rather than anything approaching a fireable offense, noting Romo had reached out to his bosses almost the moment it happened.
Romo was pulled over on Interstate 43 in Milwaukee County on the night of July 23, hours after competing in the Wisconsin Amateur Championship, and taken into custody after performing poorly on standardized field sobriety tests. Body camera footage of the stop later surfaced on TMZ, including Romo's own reaction to the test results.
#further #arrest
"Tony Romo is on leave from his role at CBS Sports until further notice," the network said in a statement.
Awful Announcing has learned that JJ Watt will join Jim Nantz and Tracy Wolfson as the network's lead NFL broadcast team during Romo's absence, with CBS set to release the rest of its NFL on CBS roster at a later date.
Boomer Esiason told his radio audience barely a day earlier that he didn't expect CBS to comment on the situation at all, a read that lined up with how the network had handled things all week. The Daily Mail had reported days earlier that CBS executives had already closed ranks around Romo, with one source telling the outlet, "I don't want to act like it's not a big deal, because it is. But it's not going to get him fired." A second characterized the arrest as a "lapse in judgment" rather than anything approaching a fireable offense, noting Romo had reached out to his bosses almost the moment it happened.
Romo was pulled over on Interstate 43 in Milwaukee County on the night of July 23, hours after competing in the Wisconsin Amateur Championship, and taken into custody after performing poorly on standardized field sobriety tests. Body camera footage of the stop later surfaced on TMZ, including Romo's own reaction to the test results.
#further #arrest
2 months ago
Tony Romo arrest video: New bodycam footage shows NFL broadcaster cooperating with cops during OWI incident originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
An arrest for suspicion of operating a vehicle while intoxicated put NFL broadcaster and former QB Tony Romo in the headlines on Friday, less than two months before he's set to return to the CBS booth alongside Jim Nantz.
Romo was arrested Thursday night in Milwaukee and now reportedly plans to keep a "low profile" for the remainder of the offseason before diving back into his broadcasting work in September.
Video of the arrest was released for the first time on Tuesday, showing Romo's interactions with police and his sobriety tests.
Here's a look at the video first released by TMZ.
#first
An arrest for suspicion of operating a vehicle while intoxicated put NFL broadcaster and former QB Tony Romo in the headlines on Friday, less than two months before he's set to return to the CBS booth alongside Jim Nantz.
Romo was arrested Thursday night in Milwaukee and now reportedly plans to keep a "low profile" for the remainder of the offseason before diving back into his broadcasting work in September.
Video of the arrest was released for the first time on Tuesday, showing Romo's interactions with police and his sobriety tests.
Here's a look at the video first released by TMZ.
#first
2 months ago
Tony Romo has gone through several ups and downs as the lead NFL game **** yst at CBS Sports, and now he faces legal trouble as well.
The former Dallas Cowboys quarterback is a polarizing figure on the air in CBS' No. 1 broadcast booth, and his reputation inside the walls of the company has fluctuated in his near-decade in the seat as well. Previous leadership infamously met with him for an intervention of sorts in 2022, shortly after he signed a whopping 10-year, $180 million contract with the network.
In the years since, he called another Super Bowl — in a mostly strong performance that was partly overshadowed when he stepped on partner Jim Nantz's call of the game-winning touchdown — but has continually made high-profile mistakes and drawn the ire of NFL diehards.
Still, in the aftermath of Romo's OWI (operating while intoxicated) arrest in Wisconsin last week, CBS management is seemingly standing behind him. A new report from the Daily Mail contains several quotes from executives at the company who backed Romo, one of whom told the British outlet that Romo "isn't going anywhere."
Some in the industry have speculated that the arrest could be an ideal excuse for CBS to part ways with Romo, who had seemingly been on thin ice at the network in the past. And with the caveat that this report — and other follow-ups — are coming mostly from tabloids, Romo appears to be safe.
#company
The former Dallas Cowboys quarterback is a polarizing figure on the air in CBS' No. 1 broadcast booth, and his reputation inside the walls of the company has fluctuated in his near-decade in the seat as well. Previous leadership infamously met with him for an intervention of sorts in 2022, shortly after he signed a whopping 10-year, $180 million contract with the network.
In the years since, he called another Super Bowl — in a mostly strong performance that was partly overshadowed when he stepped on partner Jim Nantz's call of the game-winning touchdown — but has continually made high-profile mistakes and drawn the ire of NFL diehards.
Still, in the aftermath of Romo's OWI (operating while intoxicated) arrest in Wisconsin last week, CBS management is seemingly standing behind him. A new report from the Daily Mail contains several quotes from executives at the company who backed Romo, one of whom told the British outlet that Romo "isn't going anywhere."
Some in the industry have speculated that the arrest could be an ideal excuse for CBS to part ways with Romo, who had seemingly been on thin ice at the network in the past. And with the caveat that this report — and other follow-ups — are coming mostly from tabloids, Romo appears to be safe.
#company
2 months ago
Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback and current CBS Sports ***** yst Tony Romo has been arrested on suspicion of operating a vehicle while under the influence in Wisconsin.
Romo was pulled over at 6:18 CDT in Milwaukee on Thursday, July 23, according to NBC News, where he was arrested after allegedly failing a sobriety test. He was going southbound on Interstate 43. Taken into custody, Romo has since been booked and released with a court date currently scheduled for September 21, which would coincide with Monday night of the NFL's Week 2 slate.
The top CBS matchup that weekend is expected to be the Pittsburgh Steelers visiting the AFC-champion New England Patriots. Romo's arrest came just hours after he'd wrapped an interview with NBC's affiliate WTMJ.
For those who may need a refresher on Romo's career, the quarterback played for 13 seasons in the NFL, all with the Dallas Cowboys, beginning in 2006. Romo has worked alongside announcer Jim Nantz as CBS's lead NFL broadcasting crew.
Romo is originally from Wisconsin, having grown up in Burlington, and was visiting to play in the 2026 Wisconsin Amateur Championship golf tournament, which has become a yearly tradition for the athlete. "It is as tough as you are going to play. I think in almost any golf tournament. You get the best guys around, the competition, and then the guys who work with the WSGA — they are really special people," Romo told WTMJ.
#wtmj #quarterback
Romo was pulled over at 6:18 CDT in Milwaukee on Thursday, July 23, according to NBC News, where he was arrested after allegedly failing a sobriety test. He was going southbound on Interstate 43. Taken into custody, Romo has since been booked and released with a court date currently scheduled for September 21, which would coincide with Monday night of the NFL's Week 2 slate.
The top CBS matchup that weekend is expected to be the Pittsburgh Steelers visiting the AFC-champion New England Patriots. Romo's arrest came just hours after he'd wrapped an interview with NBC's affiliate WTMJ.
For those who may need a refresher on Romo's career, the quarterback played for 13 seasons in the NFL, all with the Dallas Cowboys, beginning in 2006. Romo has worked alongside announcer Jim Nantz as CBS's lead NFL broadcasting crew.
Romo is originally from Wisconsin, having grown up in Burlington, and was visiting to play in the 2026 Wisconsin Amateur Championship golf tournament, which has become a yearly tradition for the athlete. "It is as tough as you are going to play. I think in almost any golf tournament. You get the best guys around, the competition, and then the guys who work with the WSGA — they are really special people," Romo told WTMJ.
#wtmj #quarterback
2 months ago
Tony Romo, CBS Sports's No. 1 NFL game **** yst, was arrested in Milwaukee on Thursday for OWI (Operating While Intoxicated).
According to the arrest report obtained by Fox6 Milwaukee, the former Cowboys quarterback was pulled over while driving on Interstate 43. The 46-year-old Romo was taken into custody after "performing poorly on standardized field sobriety tests." He's due in court on Monday, Sep. 21.
Romo's arrest comes just weeks before the start of the 2026 NFL season. Given the star power of Bills quarterback Josh Allen, Romo is likely to call the Bills-Texans Week 1 game on Sunday, Sep. 13 with play-by-play announcer Jim Nantz and sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson.
After quarterbacking the Cowboys for 14 seasons, Romo joined CBS in 2017 and immediately became the network's No. 1 game **** yst, succeeding veteran Phil Simms. Romo quickly became a TV sensation, with viewers dubbing him "Romostradamus" for his uncanny ability to predict play calls just before they played out on the field.
But Romo has faced mounting criticism for his on-air performance in recent seasons. CBS also has a strong No. 2 team with JJ Watt and Ian Eagle.
#game #milwaukee #cowboys #bills
According to the arrest report obtained by Fox6 Milwaukee, the former Cowboys quarterback was pulled over while driving on Interstate 43. The 46-year-old Romo was taken into custody after "performing poorly on standardized field sobriety tests." He's due in court on Monday, Sep. 21.
Romo's arrest comes just weeks before the start of the 2026 NFL season. Given the star power of Bills quarterback Josh Allen, Romo is likely to call the Bills-Texans Week 1 game on Sunday, Sep. 13 with play-by-play announcer Jim Nantz and sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson.
After quarterbacking the Cowboys for 14 seasons, Romo joined CBS in 2017 and immediately became the network's No. 1 game **** yst, succeeding veteran Phil Simms. Romo quickly became a TV sensation, with viewers dubbing him "Romostradamus" for his uncanny ability to predict play calls just before they played out on the field.
But Romo has faced mounting criticism for his on-air performance in recent seasons. CBS also has a strong No. 2 team with JJ Watt and Ian Eagle.
#game #milwaukee #cowboys #bills