Jim Nantz still wants nothing to do with social media. Instead, the CBS Sports voice told Glenn Ordway he relies on trusted industry voices for feedback.
What We Know: Nantz appeared on The Big O Podcast to discuss his first season alongside J.J. Watt in the broadcast booth and more. Notably, he has anchored CBS’ Masters coverage since 1989 and led its NFL booth since 2004. Additionally, he served as lead voice of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament from 1990 through 2023. Before Watt, Nantz spent nine seasons calling games with Tony Romo, whom he still considers a lifelong friend. In regards to his critics, Nantz says he relies on his inner circle of trusted voices instead of social media.
What They Said: (All quotes via The Big O Podcast):
Jim Nantz on the feedback he’s heard about his work with JJ Watt this season: “We’ve got a great thing going on the air, and that’s all I hear about. I’m not seeing the social media side of it, but the people I trust in the business are raving about how the chemistry is coming together and getting better every week. He is a tremendous guy to work with.”
Jim Nantz on why he chooses to stay off social media: “I stay off of social media because I just don’t want more noise in my life. Between texting and emailing and all that. There’s enough going on to try to manage that, and I don’t need opinions from all corners of the world, positive or negative. I moved on. As you get older, you feel comfortable in who you are, and what you’ve done, and what your record shows.”
Jim Nantz doesn’t let public criticism bother him: “I’m grateful for everything and everything that comes with it. Maybe some of these guys that don’t think you do a good job, maybe one day they’ll come around and say maybe I need to look at it a little bit differently. Maybe they’ll see me in a different light, and maybe they won’t. I’m not going to lose sleep over it.”
Jim Nantz enjoyed this time working with Tony Romo: “I love working with Tony [Romo]. We had we had nine years together, and he’s a friend forever. But now I’m isolating my time on working with my partner, and that’s JJ Watt. I could not be more impressed by the job he is doing, and the chemistry that we have together. I’m very happy where we are right now.”
What Remains Unclear: However, Nantz’s praise won’t settle the debate outside his circle. Meanwhile, Nantz admitted some critics may never change their minds. Still, nobody knows whether Watt’s growth will win over the skeptics.
What It Means: Ultimately, Nantz is betting on experience over online chatter. After four decades at CBS, he trusts his record and his inner circle. As a result, he has fully committed to Watt as his partner. For CBS, that steady confidence brings stability to its top NFL booth.
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