Aaron Rodgers gets surprising CBS mention with Tony Romo sidelined

CBS has placed former Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo on leave "until further notice" after his OWI arrest in Milwaukee. For now, J.J. Watt is stepping up to take his spot in the top NFL broadcast booth alongside Jim Nantz and Tracy Wolfson. Watt earned the nod after a great rookie year on the network's number two crew with Ian Eagle.

But even if Watt crushes it on the air this fall, media insiders don't think he's the permanent, long-term answer. People are already looking way past this season to see who will take over the chair for good.

Awful Announcing's Brandon Contes raised Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers as the name to watch, penning, “If CBS wants to chase Tom Brady-like stardom, the next big thing might have to be Aaron Rodgers.”

"If he was interested in Jeopardy! then he was interested in TV,” Contes added. “And if he was once interested in TV, then CBS will probably make a call.”

Rodgers guest-hosted Jeopardy! for two weeks in April 2021 after Alex Trebek passed away. A long-time fan who won Celebrity Jeopardy! in 2015, Rodgers campaigned for the permanent job and called it his dream role outside of football. 

However, Contes wrapped up the theory by noting that if Rodgers receives a massive television offer he cannot refuse, he will show up completely prepared, regardless of whether broadcasting is his ideal post-playing career.

Rodgers, 42, confirmed at training camp that the 2026 season will be his last in the NFL, stating there is "zero debate" about his retirement. He returned to Pittsburgh on a one-year deal worth up to $25 million with incentives. 

Now, many can likely bring up Rodgers' past comments dismissing a move to broadcasting. However, Tom Brady made similar claims right before signing his historic deal with Fox.

The comparison is pretty relevant here, especially with Rodgers floating around as a potential replacement for Romo. CBS clearly needs someone to turn things around after all the recent criticism surrounding Romo's on-air work.

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