NEW YORK — JJ Watt is staying in the top chair. The former Houston Texans star signed a multiyear agreement Thursday that makes him the permanent lead analyst on his network’s No. 1 NFL broadcast team, next to play-by-play voice Jim Nantz and sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson.
Watt, 37, moved into the role this season after Tony Romo went on leave following a July 23 arrest in Wisconsin. Romo later pleaded no contest to operating a vehicle while intoxicated, and the network said on Oct. 2 that the two sides had agreed to part ways. Romo had held the lead analyst job since 2017.
The new deal keeps Watt in the booth through Super Bowl 62, set for Atlanta in February 2028. In statements released by the network, its sports chairman praised his preparation and ability to explain the game to all kinds of fans, and Watt thanked his crews and said he loves the job.
His rise has been quick. He began in 2023 on the network’s Sunday pregame studio show, moved to game coverage in 2025 on the No. 2 crew, and joined the lead team this fall.
On the field, Watt was one of the most decorated defenders of his era over 12 seasons, 10 in Houston and two in Arizona. He won Defensive Player of the Year three times, was a five-time first-team All-Pro, finished second in MVP voting in 2014 and was named Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year in 2017. He retired with 114.5 sacks and 27 forced fumbles, and he becomes eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2028.
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