NFL fans were left divided after J.J. Watt made his debut as CBS Sports’ No. 1 NFL analyst, stepping into the booth alongside legendary play-by-play announcer Jim Nantz in the position previously held by Tony Romo.
Watt called Sunday’s Week 1 matchup between the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings after CBS moved him up from its No. 2 commentary team.
The change followed Romo being placed on indefinite leave after his July arrest in Wisconsin on an operating while intoxicated charge. Romo later pleaded no contest to the charge and accepted responsibility for his actions. CBS has yet to announce a timetable for his future with the network.
The former Houston Texans defensive end entered the role with plenty of broadcasting experience. Watt joined CBS in 2023 before becoming part of the network’s secondary team alongside Ian Eagle last season.
His promotion nevertheless represented a major step, placing him alongside Nantz on CBS’ premier NFL broadcast.
His first performance produced plenty of discussion online. Some viewers were immediately impressed by Watt’s knowledge and personality, with several fans arguing that he was a better listen than Romo and suggesting CBS should make the arrangement permanent.
Others appreciated the defensive perspective Watt brings after a remarkable playing career that included three Defensive Player of the Year awards.
However, not everyone was convinced. Some viewers criticized Watt’s delivery, describing him as awkward, too subdued or lacking the entertainment value Romo brought to the booth.
One moment that attracted attention came during Christian Watson’s 81-yard touchdown reception. After a flag appeared on the field, Watt reacted as though the score might be coming back before the penalty was waved off.
Watt showed why CBS promoted him
Despite the criticism, Watt also provided several impressive examples of why CBS sees potential in him.
Early in the game, Nantz asked him to assess the matchup between Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray and Green Bay defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon, who previously coached Murray in Arizona.
Watt immediately identified the importance of their history. On the following play, Green Bay sent heavy pressure at Murray, who threw an interception.
Watt connected the blitz to the quarterback’s rushed decision and explained how Gannon had used his familiarity with Murray to create the opportunity.
He also correctly encouraged Minnesota to take a shot on a free play after spotting an offsides penalty. Carson Wentz subsequently found Justin Jefferson for a touchdown, giving Watt and Nantz one of the broadcast’s most memorable exchanges.
The bigger question now concerns how long Watt will remain in the top booth. Sports media insider John Ourand recently estimated there’s a 95% chance Romo won’t return to CBS, although the network hasn’t made a final decision.
Romo’s contract reportedly still has about $72 million remaining over four years.
Watt’s next major test will be particularly interesting, as CBS is scheduled to cover Pittsburgh against New England, giving him the unusual challenge of analyzing his brother, Steelers star T.J. Watt.
After one game, the verdict certainly isn’t unanimous but Watt has shown enough to suggest he could become more than a temporary replacement.
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