JJ Watt Secures Multiyear Deal as CBS Lead NFL Analyst After Rapid Rise

POLICY WIRE — New York, United States — When JJ Watt answered a phone call from David Berson on Monday, his initial concern was that a playful on-air demonstration during the Buffalo Bills and Las Vegas Raiders game had resulted in a broken hand for Jim Nantz.

As it turned out, Nantz emerged from the incident with only a sore wrist, while the Chairman of CBS and Skydance Sports Division delivered much larger career news by naming Watt the permanent lead analyst for CBS Sports NFL broadcasts.

The network officially confirmed the appointment on Thursday morning alongside a multiyear agreement for the former defensive star.

Expressing his gratitude on social media, Watt called the opportunity an incredible honor and humbling experience while noting that only five seats exist to perform this specific job.

He added that he appreciates the trust placed in him, has an absolute blast every week, and cannot wait to continue in the role.

Watt originally stepped into the booth alongside play-by-play announcer Jim Nantz and sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson after Tony Romo took a leave of absence following a July 23 arrest in Wisconsin, where the former Dallas Cowboys quarterback pleaded no contest to operating a vehicle while intoxicated.

Following that development, CBS announced on Oct. 2 that Romo would not return after the parties mutually agreed to part ways, concluding a tenure as lead game analyst that began in 2017.

The on-air partnership between Watt and Nantz has already produced memorable unscripted moments, including a recent segment where Watt demonstrated how defenders attempt the Peanut Punch to strip the football, named after former defensive back Charles Peanut Tillman.

When Nantz attempted to knock the ball away, he struck his wrist hard against the leather and immediately grabbed his hand in pain.

Although Nantz wore an ice pack after halftime and jokingly claimed he broke his wrist, subsequent evaluations confirmed no bones were broken, and he is listed as probable to join Watt in the booth for Sunday’s matchup between the Cincinnati Bengals and Baltimore Ravens.

David Berson praised the broadcaster’s rapid development in an official statement, noting that he has observed Watt approach broadcasting with the same dedication that defined his hall-of-fame playing career.

Berson highlighted Watt as insightful, entertaining, passionate, and meticulous in his preparation while possessing a unique ability to communicate complex concepts to fans at all levels.

Watt initially entered sports media with CBS Sports in 2023 as a studio analyst on The NFL Today following a dominant 12-year playing career with the Houston Texans and Arizona Cardinals.

During his time on the field, he earned three NFL Defensive Player of the Year awards, five All-Pro selections, and the 2017 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year honor.

After transitioning to game broadcasts in 2025, Watt initially called games on the network’s number two broadcast team alongside Ian Eagle and Evan Washburn before earning a promotion to the premier crew this season.

He becomes only the fourth lead CBS game analyst since 1981, following legendary figures John Madden from 1981 through 1993, Phil Simms from 1998 until 2016, and Romo.

Looking ahead, Watt is slated to call Super Bowl 62 when CBS carries the championship broadcast from Atlanta in February 2028.

Concluding his video announcement, Watt told viewers he would see them on Sunday and at the Super Bowl next year.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)