Tony Romo has never been as criticized by NFL fans as he has since he began his role as CBS’s lead commentator nine years ago. The analyst’s performance during the Buffalo Bills’ 27-24 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars was heavily criticized on social media, which gave Christopher Russo even more reason to criticize him.
Despite the surge in criticism, one notable critic addressed the likelihood of change at CBS and realistically dismissed the possibility that Romo and his commentary partner would be replaced next season.
Christopher Russo Breaks Down Why Internet Pressure Won’t Cost Tony Romo His CBS Role
According to Russo, during a program on “SiriusXM,” CBS will not promote Ian Eagle and J.J. Watt as the main commentary duo mainly because of Jim Nantz, a play-by-play announcer who does not receive the same heavy criticism on social media as his broadcast partner.
Russo also pointed out that CBS is unlikely to replace only the analyst, since installing a former defensive lineman as the main analyst would not align with the network’s usual strategy.
“I don’t want to go crazy because I told you years ago, he was awful, and now everybody agrees. He is an absolutely horrendous broadcaster, and he is stealing money; he’s making $17 million through 2030, so they can’t get rid of him. And the idea that the internet, the 23-year-olds who read Awful Announcing think, ‘Why don’t they move Ian and J.J. Watt into that slot and move Nantz and Romo down.’ Are you crazy?” said Russo.
“What is saving Romo from dispatchment to game five with Adam Archuleta, what is saving Romo is Nantz. The idea that they’re gonna embarrass Nantz by moving him to the two game is the dumbest thing. That’s why you can’t listen to the internet… you think they’re gonna move Jim Nantz making $18 million a year, who has been the voice of CBS Sports…you think they’re gonna move him off the No. 1 game on CBS?”
Romo began his CBS analyst career to high praise for his versatility and clear, accurate commentary. Nine years later, his performance has declined significantly, and his comments sometimes no longer seem coherent. The former Dallas Cowboys player showed he was off his game when he opened the Bills vs. Jaguars broadcast by discussing the Carolina Panthers’ near win over the Los Angeles Rams.
Throughout the game, Romo attempted to craft sweeping narratives after each play by Josh Allen (who ranks No. 3 in the PFSN QB Impact metric with an A- grade) or Trevor Lawrence, but frequently got lost in the referees’ decisions and delayed calling Gene Steratore, even when the rules analyst should have intervened sooner.
The Wild Card broadcast’s most talked-about moment occurred during the Bills vs. Jaguars game, when Romo claimed Josh Allen would not have scored a touchdown “because the ref is talking really fast,” an illogical comparison.
PFSN’s Joe Rutland wrote a detailed article about NFL fans’ reactions to the broadcast. Previously, in 2022, Romo received “intervention” from CBS executives; perhaps now is the right time for the network to take new action.
