NFL preseason is officially underway, and we are getting really close to the beginning of the 2026 season. The anticipation is building, and the top channels are releasing promos to get fans geared up for all the fun.
The NFL is the most-watched sport in America, and CBS has benefited greatly from having games on its network. CBS has made a name for itself by having one of the best broadcasting crews in the game, led by Jim Nantz and Tony Romo.
However, Romo wasn’t in their promo, likely on purpose after his recent run-in with the law. NFL fans quickly noticed Romo’s absence, and some say Nantz threw his partner under the bus.
NFL on CBS’ Promo Without Tony Romo Draws Mixed Reactions
For those unaware, Romo was arrested on July 23 on suspicion of operating while intoxicated (OWI). Many saw the bodycam footage that has been released, and it appears Romo failed one of the field sobriety tests, resulting in his arrest.
Romo has a court appearance scheduled for September 21, right in the middle of the NFL season. CBS has made no official statement about whether Romo will be in the booth or not for Week 1. But he is on an indefinite leave of absence, and J.J. Watt has been announced as his replacement.
Here is the promo CBS released on which John Ziegler commented, “It sure looks like Jim Nantz has fully thrown his good buddy Tony Romo under the bus!”
CBS released this promo for the upcoming NFL season and…
It sure looks like Jim Nantz has fully thrown his good buddy Tony Romo under the bus! 🤦♂️🤮 pic.twitter.com/wAtvfAlsT9
— John Ziegler (@Zigmanfreud) August 16, 2026
It makes sense that Romo was also part of this promo at some point, but after this arrest, CBS had to make changes.
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A user on X named Tim Snook said, “I bet they filmed this pre-Romo DUI and just cropped him out in the post.”
I bet they filmed this pre-Romo dui and just cropped him out in post 😂
— Tim Snook (@timisnook) August 16, 2026
One user on X took issue with Nantz’s presence in the video and wrote, “I have never seen a network sports announcer who loves making himself the story as much as Nantz. What a clown!”
One person named Edward Sherrill added, “Jim didn’t get to where he is by not being a company man.”
Jim didn’t get to where he is by not being a company man. https://t.co/icv63b9qqv
— Edward Sherrill (@EdwardSher40565) August 16, 2026
One person came out in defense of Romo and said, “Brutal! Like, DUI is bad, but Romo didn’t beat his wife or kill somebody! We live in the dumbest timeline”
However, not everyone thinks Nantz should be blamed for this promo, since he has to keep doing his job no matter what happens to his partner. Jeff on X said, “What do you want him to do? Quit because Romo is suspended?”
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Another person added, “Tony Romo threw himself under the bus. The only person personally responsible for Tony’s decisions and behaviors is Tony. Jim needs to keep living.”
Tony Romo threw himself under the bus. The only person personally responsible for Tony’s decisions and behaviors is Tony. Jim needs to keep living.
— russrev1ews (@russrev1ews) August 16, 2026
A user named Ty Rich echoed the same message and wrote, “Tony Romo driving intoxicated threw himself under it.”
Who would have thought so much could come from one NFL promo? Outside the games themselves, it seems many people will be watching the CBS broadcast booth to see who partners with Nantz for Week 1.
