CBS' Jim Nantz blasts critics of partner Tony Romo

CBS announcer and broadcasting legend Jim Nantz has hit back at those who criticized partner Tony Romo during and after the 2022 NFL season. 

"I think there was a little bit of a misinformation attempt there to portray him in a not-so-favorable light," Nantz explained during the latest edition of the "SI Media with Jimmy Traina" podcast. "It was very disappointing. It really got, to me, more steam after the AFC Championship Game, which was our last game. And for the life of me, I didn’t understand it. Tony is the best. He’s the absolute best. And he’s also one of my best friends. I love the guy. And when somebody starts questioning our chemistry, there’s an agenda there. There is nothing wrong with our chemistry. I have never had better chemistry with anybody in my career than Tony." 

Fans and media members blasted Romo for his call of the AFC Championship Game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Cincinnati Bengals, and some questioned how much time the retired quarterback spent preparing for contests ahead of assignments this past campaign. 

It was then reported in early February that CBS "tried an intervention last offseason" to get Romo "to study more" and "be better prepared." CBS ultimately denied this claim, but Fox Sports personality and radio host Colin Cowherd later suggested that Romo had regressed in the booth because the former Dallas Cowboys star was "addicted to golf" and would rather be on the PGA Tour than calling NFL games. 

"If you really wanna look at it through the course of the season, I think it speaks for itself what the public says about Tony," Nantz added. "You’re building it down to what maybe some media observers say and what Twitter says, but all I ever hear about from people is they love the team and they love Tony and we’re gonna have a great season. I have so much respect for him and what he’s done and what he’s done to elevate the excitement of the NFL."

Back in 2020, CBS signed Romo to a 10-year contract that reportedly pays him $17.5M per season. As long as no data indicates viewers are switching off games due to Romo's performances, the network may feel there's no such thing as bad press regarding one of its most famous announcers.