Jim Nantz is not here for people criticizing Tony Romo and his relationship with the former Dallas Cowboys quarterback.
After taking the NFL broadcast world by storm during his rookie season as an analyst in 2017 and earning a historic $180 million contract from CBS in 2020, Romo has seen his popularity drop in recent years. What originally garnered people to love him is no longer there and every broadcast is filled with complaints from fans every time he opens his mouth.
Last season, Romo’s regression was highlighted by fans and media analysts, especially when it came time for the postseason. He might not have many supporters online, but he does have one in Jim Nantz.
Nantz, who recently joined Jimmy Traina’s Sports Illustrated Media Podcast, claimed he didn’t understand the widespread criticism for Romo:
“I think there was a little bit of a misinformation attempt there to portray him in a not-so-favorable light,” Nantz said. “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.”
The New York Post reported in February that CBS executives met with the former Dallas Cowboys quarterback in what was described as an “intervention,” but the network denied it, stating that it regularly meets with all of its on-air talents.
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The report also questioned Romo’s chemistry with Nantz.
“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,” Nantz said on the podcast.
“There is nothing wrong with our chemistry. I have never had better chemistry with anybody in my career than Tony. All you have to do is sit in the booth with us, which people that are covering our business, they’re always welcome to come in and take a look at how we interact between the two of us, on the air, off the air, between plays. It’s amazing. I’m not worried about it. Here’s what I don’t get: Where was all this outcry during the season? It’s not like we were invisible.”
Romo and Nantz were in the booth for the divisional-round matchup between the Buffalo Bills and Cincinnati Bengals, but Romo could say nothing without being heavily criticized by fans.
“We didn’t do any of these games in January any different than we did during the regular season. So, why all of a sudden are people taking cheap shots? I don’t get it.”
For his part, Romo responded to the criticism in February, calling it “noise” and adding that “you can’t please everyone.”
