CBS Sports has confirmed that Tony Romo will no longer be part of the network. In July, CBS placed him on indefinite leave after his arrest on charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated. In a statement, CBS expressed gratitude for Romo’s contributions over the past nine years and wished him well in the future.
As reported by OutKick, industry insiders did not anticipate Romo’s return. The DWI incident expedited CBS’s existing decision to part with Romo.
With the next Super Bowl set to air on CBS in 2028, under Skydance’s new ownership, the network decided against renewing Romo’s role as Jim Nantz’s lead analyst. Criticism of Romo’s performance had been increasing, notably during Super Bowl LVIII, when he mishandled a crucial Mahomes play call, symbolizing his downturn in broadcasting.
Now, the focus shifts to Romo’s replacement. CBS remains a valued NFL partner, with potential shifts in broadcast dynamics anticipated. For the moment, J.J. Watt is stepping in as Jim Nantz’s color analyst. Watt, originally part of CBS’s No. 2 team, received mixed reviews in his new role, although many commend his performance.
The decision on whether Watt will retain his position into the Super Bowl might hinge on more than his current broadcast performance. Contracts of top analysts like ESPN’s Troy Aikman and Fox’s Greg Olsen are nearing expiration. Both present high-value options for CBS.
Aikman, recognized as a top NFL game analyst, is nearing contract renewal talks. His salary could exceed $25 million annually. CBS could pursue him to solidify its broadcast roster ahead of upcoming Super Bowls.
Olsen, comparatively younger, adds professional experience and flexibility. He successfully covered Super Bowl LVII for Fox and worked well with various partners. ESPN’s failure to re-sign Aikman might present Olsen as a potential target for CBS.
Another contender for Aikman or Olsen, if not retained by ESPN or CBS, is Netflix as it expands its NFL reach. Amazon has reportedly secured Kirk Herbstreit to continue as its NFL analyst.
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