Jim Nantz comments on Tony Romo's exit from CBS after DUI arrest

Mixed · 2Jim Nantz, CBS's lead NFL play-by-play announcer, has spoken publicly for the first time about the departure of his broadcast partner Tony Romo, on the Traina Thoughts podcast hosted by Jimmy Traina. 1 2 Mixed · 2CBS announced earlier this month that it was parting ways with Romo, who was arrested in Wisconsin in the summer for operating a vehicle while intoxicated; Breitbart dates the arrest to July and the announcement to October 2, and calls the parting mutual. 1 2 Right · 1Breitbart reports that Romo was first suspended and then let go, and that Nantz and Romo had worked together at CBS for nine years. 2

Mixed · 2Nantz said his first thought was to check on Romo as a friend, and that he looks forward to Romo coming through this. 1 2 Mixed · 2Nantz said Romo has talent and a distinctive personality, and that there will be plenty of opportunity for him to work again, whether calling games or in a studio. He added that he did not know where Romo's head was and would not speculate. 1 2 Right · 1Breitbart adds that Nantz did not defend Romo's decision to drive under the influence and stressed he had no role in the ouster. 2

Mixed · 2J.J. Watt replaced Romo, first temporarily and then permanently, and Newsweek says he will partner with Nantz for the rest of the 2026 NFL season. 1 2 Right · 1Breitbart also says Romo had $72 million left on his CBS contract and that, although CBS has not released figures, it is believed to have paid most of it before the announcement; this is unconfirmed. 2