Houston Texans legend J.J. Watt replaces Tony Romo on CBS' top NFL team

· Yahoo Sports

CBS has made its decision on its No. 1 analyst gig. Tony Romo is out. J.J. Watt is in.  (Icon Sports Wire/Corbis/Icon Sportswire via Getty)

For Houston Texans legend J.J. Watt, the probationary period in his new role at CBS has ended. 

On Friday, CBS announced that Tony Romo, the former Dallas Cowboys star quarterback and the network's No. 1 NFL color commentator, would not return. Romo was arrested on suspicion of operating a vehicle while intoxicated in Wisconsin earlier this summer, and CBS decided to put Romo on a leave of absence. Romo eventually pleaded no contest to the charge on Sept. 1.

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"CBS Sports and Tony Romo have mutually agreed to part ways," CBS' statement said. "We thank Tony for his contributions over the past nine years and wish him the best moving forward."

Romo's contract called for $72 million over the next four years, but since he and CBS mutually agreed to part ways, it's unclear whether he received his full payout or whether a settlement was reached.

Watt, who essentially spent the first three weeks of the NFL season auditioning for the No. 1 spot alongside play-by-play announcer Jim Nantz, has locked up the gig. 

"JJ Watt will continue to partner with Jim Nantz and Tracy Wolfson on our lead NFL announce team for the rest of the season," CBS' statement continues. "All other teams remain the same, including Ian Eagle, Ross Tucker and Evan Washburn."

What Romo said about his departure

For Romo, 46, his plan is to "use this time to take a break". 

"I'm proud of what I accomplished at CBS Sports over the last nine years. I approached my role as a game analyst the way I've approached everything in my life–with a desire to win and be the best that I can be," Romo said in a statement shared by NFL insider Ari Meirov.

"I'm going to use this time to take a break, something I've never done before, and focus on my health and my family before moving on to my next opportunity. I am grateful for my time with CBS Sports and for the continued support of my family and friends, as well as the NFL community and fans."

What promotion could mean for Watt's next career

For Watt, 37, the opening gives him a chance to become a superstar in the media world. Watt has shown improved chemistry and an evolving relationship with Nantz during the first month of the season.

Add in his vibrant personality and passion for soccer and business, and one can easily see CBS finding other ways to use him across the network and on other platforms.  

Nantz and Watt will continue their broadcast tour with the Week 4 contest between the Kansas City Chiefs and Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Both teams come into the contest undefeated, and Watt has a history of facing quarterbacks Patrick Mahomes and Kirk Cousins during his playing days. CBS will air the game at 3:25 p.m. CT on Sunday, Oct. 4. 

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This article originally published at Houston Texans legend J.J. Watt replaces Tony Romo on CBS' top NFL team.

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