J.J. Watt’s CBS Rise Could Reshape the NFL Analyst Pecking Order

New York — J.J. Watt, who never envisioned a career in media after his NFL days, now holds the potential to become CBS Sports' permanent No. 1 game analyst. If he secures the coveted role, it could reshape the landscape for NFL analysts for years to come. With Tony Romo's indefinite leave following his OWI arrest in Wisconsin, Watt has taken on CBS's lead NFL team, joining play-by-play announcer Jim Nantz and Tracy Wolfson.

While Watt remains ambivalent about capitalizing on Romo's misfortune, he's eager to work with the best of the best at the highest level in the business. During CBS's annual NFL preview, Watt expressed his excitement about joining Nantz and Wolfson, calling their combined skills an opportunity to learn and improve. Their practice game together yielded great chemistry, and Watt is looking forward to more.

After spending his first two seasons in the studio with The NFL Today, Watt shone as CBS's No. 2 game analyst with play-by-play partner Ian Eagle last season. The trio's on-air chemistry was exceptional, making the transition from studio to game booth seamless. CBS's president and CEO, David Berson, has high hopes for Watt. He believes the former Texans player's understanding of television, social media, and quick wit make him an ideal candidate for the role.

With Romo's legal situation uncertain, Watt could potentially be promoted to the No. 1 spot for Week 1, potentially taking Romo's place or shifting to the studio altogether. Berson is thrilled to have Watt on board, noting his strong understanding of the medium of television and social media. Regardless of how things unfold, Watt's rise in the media world could set a new standard for NFL analysts and elevate CBS Sports to new heights.