In the coming years, Jim Nantz can Peanut Punch JJ Watt as many times as he wants, as the former NFL defensive end signed a new deal with CBS Sports as Tony Romo's replacement.
News of the new contract made the rounds on Thursday, Oct. 22, just a matter of weeks into the 2026 NFL season. He has officially been named CBS' lead NFL analyst for its broadcasts. It's unknown how long the new contract spans.
His new deal will keep him around for years to come, including when the network broadcasts Super Bowl 62 in 2028 from Atlanta, Georgia.
“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,” said Skydance's chairman David Berson in a statement (via Variety). “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.”
Why did JJ Watt replace Tony Romo with Jim Nantz in the booth for CBS' NFL games?
Watt replaced Romo after his OWI arrest over the summer. This led the former quarterback and the network to “mutually part ways.” Romo had been the network's lead NFL analyst for almost a decade before his arrest. He later pleaded no contest to a charge of operating while intoxicated.
The former Houston Texans legend joined CBS in 2023. Initially, he was brought in as a studio analyst on The NFL Today. However, during the 2025 season, he moved into the booth, calling games with Ian Eagle and Evan Washburn.
His first season must have gone well, as he was selected as Romo's replacement before the 2026 season, joining the top team with Nantz and Tracy Wolfson.