97.1 The Ticket’s Mike Valenti isn’t sold on CBS’s new number one analyst. The Detroit radio host says the network is having issues finding talent to speak on the NFL with any level of personality.
What We Know: CBS Sports placed Tony Romo on leave last month. In addition, that decision followed his arrest on suspicion of OWI in Wisconsin. J.J. Watt moved up from the network’s No. 2 booth to replace him. Moreover, he joins Jim Nantz and Tracy Wolfson on the top NFL team. Valenti addressed the shakeup Wednesday on The Mike Valenti Show with Rico. He’s not sharing in any excitement surrounding the opportunity for Watt, but also believes CBS Sports can’t recruit entertaining talent on NFL games.
What They Said: (All quotes via 97.1 The Ticket)
97.1 The Ticket’s Mike Valenti on J.J. Watt: “First of wall, Watt is the equivalent of one of these home robots that washes your dishes that they’re starting to invent. Watt is the personality of a brick. They just can’t find somebody with an effing personality to go on TV, have a little fun, maybe make a fart joke, and then break down a play. John Madden didn’t cure cancer; he was just entertaining.”
97.1 The Ticket’s Mike Valenti on CBS Sports issue if they bring back Tony Romo: “Their [CBS Sports] problem is going to be every time this guy sounds like a space cadet on the air, people are going to assume he was drunk. Don’t tell me you’ve been watching the games for years and haven’t thought Tony was having some fun with something.”
97.1 The Ticket Mike Valenti on those who want Tony Romo to return to CBS Sports: “Anyone who ever tells me bring back [Tony] Romo, I want you to go rewatch Bills Jags in the playoffs. Tell me what you see and hear. One of the singular worst broadcasts I’ve ever heard. I think Jim Nantz wanted to shank him, like a scene from Oz. He had had enough. He didn’t know what he was saying.”
What Remains Unclear: CBS hasn’t set a timetable for Romo’s return. Moreover, it’s unknown whether he’ll be retained at all.
What It Means: Valenti’s comments tap into a wider debate over analyst personality versus polish. As a result, CBS faces pressure on two fronts: Watt’s reception and Romo’s uncertain future. Ultimately, ratings and audience response, not radio commentary, will decide whether the switch sticks.
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John Mamola is Barrett Media’s sports editor and daily sports columnist. He brings over two decades of experience (Chicago, Tampa/St Petersburg) in the broadcast industry with expertise in brand management, sales, promotions, producing, imaging, hosting, talent coaching, talent development, web development, social media strategy and design, video production, creative writing, partnership building, communication/networking with a long track record of growth and success. He is a five-time recognized top 20 program director in a major market via Barrett Medi’s Top 20 series and has been honored internally multiple times as station/brand of the year (Tampa, FL) and employee of the month (Tampa, FL) by iHeartMedia. Connect with John by email at John@BarrettMedia.com.