CBS Sports today formally announced that Cowboys QB Tony Romo will become its lead NFL game analyst beginning with the '17 NFL season, joining play-by-play broadcaster Jim Nantz and sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson. CBS Sports Chair Sean McManus in a news release said, "As we welcome Tony, we want to acknowledge Phil Simms who served as our lead NFL analyst for nearly 20 years." McManus called Simms "one of the best analysts to ever call the game" and said, "We are discussing with Phil his future role with CBS Sports" (CBS Sports).
Media reaction to the move so far has been largely positive. ESPN’s Herm Edwards said, “He will be great.” ESPN’s Dan Graziano: “He’s got a little bit of a football nerd in him. ... I would think that would translate to the booth. ... He seems to have the football intelligence that is required to explain what is going on.” ESPN’s Dan Le Batard said the "freedom of broadcasting will allow us to see the more interesting side" of Romo (“SportsCenter,” ESPN, 4/4). Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio said of the QB's move to TV, "Romo's smart, Romo gets it" (“PFT,” NBCSN, 4/4). NFL Network's Ian Rapoport: “The opportunities for TV were simply too great to pass up, and really there are only a few seats (in broadcasting)” (“Good Morning Football,” NFL Network, 4/4).
Meanwhile, Campus Insiders' Bonnie Bernstein tweeted, "Romo, w ZERO broadcast experience, reportedly replacing Phil Simms. ... No offense. But that's total crap." CBS' Armen Keteyian: "I spent 6 of the best years of my life working with Phil Simms. No finer man/dedicated analyst. If TR thinks NFL is fast, try the A game."
