Jim Nantz Supports Tony Romo After OWI Arrest, Welcomes J.J. Watt as New Partner

Washington DC, United States Aug 13, 2026 ALN: Jim Nantz, CBS Sports’ top play-by-play announcer, has publicly supported his longtime colleague Tony Romo following Romo's recent arrest for operating while intoxicated (OWI) in July. This incident has significant implications not only for Romo's career but also for CBS Sports as a whole, especially as the NFL season approaches and the network prepares for its broadcasts. The relationship between Nantz and Romo has been a cornerstone of CBS's NFL coverage, and any disruption to that partnership could have ripple effects throughout the organization.

Nantz and Romo have formed a strong partnership since Romo transitioned from his role as the quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys to become CBS Sports' lead NFL analyst. Romo signed a lucrative 10-year contract worth $180 million in 2020, which was one of the largest contracts in sports broadcasting history. Under this agreement, Romo has been a prominent figure in NFL coverage, known for his insightful commentary and ability to predict plays before they happen. However, the recent OWI arrest raises questions about his future with the network and the impact on their broadcast team.

The incident occurred when Romo was driving in Wisconsin after attending a golf event. According to reports from the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office, deputies noticed signs of impairment while Romo was driving, leading to his arrest. During the field sobriety tests, he allegedly performed poorly, resulting in charges not only for OWI but also for having an open bottle of alcohol in his vehicle and unsafe driving practices. Such legal troubles can have lasting repercussions, particularly for public figures in high-profile positions. The ramifications of such incidents often extend beyond the immediate legal consequences, affecting personal reputation, professional relationships, and public perception.

During a recent media day for CBS Sports, Nantz was asked about Romo's situation and whether he had been kept informed about Romo's status as the NFL season nears. Nantz expressed that he had chosen to focus on his own commitments, which included various golf events, rather than delving into the details of Romo's situation. He emphasized the importance of maintaining communication with Romo, stating, "I just kind of wanted to focus on what’s in front of me, and that’s what I’ve done." This response highlights Nantz's professionalism and dedication to his work while also showing his concern for his friend. It reflects a common practice among colleagues in high-pressure environments to compartmentalize personal and professional issues, especially when facing public scrutiny.

CBS Sports President, Sean McManus, also addressed Romo's situation during the media day, describing it as "evolving" and indicating that the network is still assessing the implications of the arrest. McManus noted the necessity of considering the impact on CBS Sports' image and brand, underscoring the importance of maintaining a focus on the quality of their broadcasts rather than allowing off-field issues to overshadow their programming. He stated, "We have to consider the impact on our image and our brand. That’s very important to us. The focus should be and needs to be on our presentation and this great product and not on any others." This statement underscores the delicate balance that networks must strike between supporting their talent and maintaining their brand integrity.

In light of Romo's arrest, CBS Sports has announced that former Houston Texans star J.J. Watt will step in as Nantz’s new partner in the booth. Watt, who is a well-respected figure in the NFL and has a reputation for his engaging personality, brings a fresh dynamic to the broadcast team. While this transition may provide a new perspective for viewers, Nantz has made it clear that he still holds Romo in high regard as a friend. He reflected on their long-standing relationship, which dates back to Romo's wedding in 2011, expressing his ongoing support for Romo and his family during this challenging time. Nantz stated, "Tony is a great friend of mine and has been for years... So, he’s a great friend, continues to be, always will be." This sentiment illustrates the personal connections that often exist behind the scenes in sports broadcasting, where camaraderie can be as significant as professional collaboration.

Romo's current contract with CBS is significant, as he is still owed $72 million following the arrest. However, the incident has raised questions about his long-term future with the network. Reports have surfaced indicating that Romo's future as CBS's lead analyst could be uncertain, especially with the network's plans to air the Super Bowl in 2028. Prior to the arrest, there were already discussions about whether CBS would retain Romo beyond the 2026 season, adding to the speculation surrounding his career trajectory. The combination of his contract's financial implications and the recent legal troubles creates a complicated scenario for both Romo and CBS Sports as they navigate the fallout.

The scrutiny surrounding Romo's performance as an analyst has intensified in recent seasons, with critics suggesting that he has not been as effective in his role as he once was. Some have pointed out that he has struggled to connect with Nantz in the same way they did earlier in their partnership, raising concerns about the chemistry between the two broadcasters. This critique, combined with the recent legal troubles, could further complicate Romo's standing with CBS Sports and the expectations surrounding his role. The pressure to maintain high performance in a highly competitive environment can be daunting, and the added scrutiny from both fans and critics can exacerbate the challenges faced by broadcasters.

Importantly, Romo's contract reportedly includes a morals clause, which could allow CBS to terminate his contract based on the circumstances surrounding the arrest. While such clauses are standard in many high-profile contracts, it is likely that Romo's legal team would contest any attempts to invoke this clause, particularly given the substantial financial implications involved. The legal proceedings stemming from Romo's arrest are set to unfold in the coming weeks, with a court date scheduled for September 21, just eight days after CBS Sports' first NFL broadcast featuring Nantz and Watt. The timing of these events adds another layer of complexity to the situation, as CBS must prepare for the season while also managing the potential fallout from Romo's legal issues.

As the NFL season approaches, the implications of Romo's arrest, the transition to J.J. Watt as Nantz's new partner, and the ongoing discussions about Romo's future with CBS Sports will be closely watched by fans and industry insiders alike. The situation underscores the challenges faced by public figures in maintaining their professional responsibilities while navigating personal issues, particularly in high-pressure environments such as sports broadcasting. The outcome of Romo's legal troubles and CBS's subsequent decisions will likely shape the narrative surrounding both Romo's career and CBS Sports' broadcasting strategy moving forward. The coming weeks will be critical not only for Romo but also for CBS Sports as it seeks to maintain its reputation and deliver high-quality programming to its audience.