Jim Nantz calls constant Tony Romo criticism ‘unfair’

Before Super Bowl LVIII last February on CBS, all eyes in the NFL media were on Tony Romo.

Criticism was everywhere, even on his own network. Before the season, former CBS chairman Sean McManus reportedly visited Romo at home for an “intervention” with suggestions on how to improve. Across the industry, analysts like Tom Brady and Troy Aikman had inflated Romo’s once-historic annual salary. Romo was awkward when discussing the Taylor Swift-Travis Kelce romance, and his booming interruptions became a meme online.

Still, his push for a record-setting Super Bowl went (mostly) without a hitch, and CBS now seems fine with him in the top booth alongside Jim Nantz.

In a joint performance at SI Media podcast ahead of a huge Week 11 clash between Kansas City and Buffalo on CBS, Nantz hit back at Romo’s critics, saying the scrutiny and constant evaluation is “unfair” given how effective Romo is as a broadcaster and his commitment to to develop.

“(Improvement) is kind of a hard thing to define,” Nantz said. “Because you’re doing reps, and reps and the experience and what feels right gets you there. So it’s kind of unfair that he sits and likes to try and evaluate it. I can evaluate it and whether he realizes it or not or not, he grows. And he’s a great broadcaster. And I love our partnership.”

The longtime CBS announcer added that the chemistry, fun and preparation he and Romo bring to the booth this NFL season is at an all-time high.

And he attributes that to Romo taking the feedback and putting in the work.

“I’m so damn proud of Tony,” Nantz said. “Tony’s in Year 8, so all the things you ask, how does he get better? I feel it more than anybody. I feel the progression. And he’ll tell you, I think, four, five weeks straight , we walk out of the booth and I give him a big bear hug and tell him how proud I am. There’s a bit of a generation gap between us and I’ve been trying to be a mentor to him…but I’m having a ball and his preparation is really good. I feel it in the way we tell stories together; I feel it in every meeting we’re in. And the sense of timing, we all learn that and how it works best.”

After Nantz’s praise, host Jimmy Traina asked Romo directly about the criticism and whether Romo felt he adjusted his approach as an analyst based on the noise that followed him through 2023.

Romo responded that he takes his cues from fans first and foremost.

“You always try to be the best version of yourself and we’re the best team ever,” Romo said. “I think we work really well together and our brains are so fast. And to me, you are what is best for the fans. You want the best for everyone, and it’s just about making it an enjoyable experience. So if the fans say they want it, I’ll give it to them. So literally, that’s all we’re trying to do, and I think it shows … maybe we’re lucky enough that like last week (a Philadelphia win over Dallas), people are watching because they’re enjoying the experience .”

The former Cowboys quarterback took the NFL by storm when CBS hired him in 2017. He quickly developed a reputation for predicting plays pre-snap and having a QB crystal ball that made the broadcast feel almost interactive.

Nantz believes skills are as sharp as ever, even as Romo hones the other aspects of his craft.

“No one does it like he does,” Nantz said of Romo’s predictions. “He sees so much and he articulates it, and there’s a level of energy and a sound in his voice that I think gets people going. So he grows unconsciously. We’re all … I know our chemistry has never been better, so we’re in a good place.”

Both Nantz and Romo are under contract for several years at CBS. However, Romo’s original 10-year deal is set to expire before CBS’ next Super Bowl.

The criticism Nantz tried to make will always be there. But their comfort as a tandem and Romo’s continued improvement bode well for their future and the CBS broadcast.

(SI Media Podcast with Jimmy Traina)