Jim Nantz's broadcasting debut with J.J. Watt took an unexpected turn on Sunday when a simple demonstration went awry. During the first half of the Buffalo Bills vs. Las Vegas Raiders game, Watt was showing Nantz how to "punch out" a football—a technique that's gaining traction among players. But the veteran announcer quickly discovered that the move is easier said than done.
As Watt guided him through the motion, Nantz let out a groan and clutched his wrist. "My wrist is broken," he joked, though the grimace on his face suggested there might be a kernel of truth to the quip. The moment was a lighthearted reminder that even the pros can get caught off guard by the physical demands of the game.
Nantz and Watt are teaming up this season after CBS parted ways with longtime color commentator Tony Romo. The pairing has already generated buzz, with Nantz praising Watt's preparation and personality. "He's got a lot of talent, and he's got a lot of people who like him," Nantz said on The Traina Thoughts Podcast. "He's a star and he's got a personality that is different and that's a good thing. He's a bigger than life personality."
Watt, a future Hall of Famer, is still finding his footing in the booth. "He's done maybe 22 games now in his career. It's not a ton, and you would not know that standing next to him on a Sunday," Nantz added. "His preparation is so much like a guy that is preparing for an actual game to play in it. It's astounding to see the level of detail that he gets into and that he shares."
The two share a deep connection to Houston, where Nantz grew up and Watt starred for the Texans. That bond has made the transition smoother. "I thought I knew J.J. pretty well because of our Houston ties," Nantz said. "Always just thought he was an awesome guy. Watched what he did for the community of Houston, particularly after Hurricane Harvey and the way he rolled up his sleeves, led to him, by the way, being a Walter Payton Man of the Year Award winner... but until you're working with someone at the level that we're working at, the constant communication, I mean, I'm really blown away. I really am."
The on-air mishap didn't derail the broadcast, but it did add a memorable moment to what's already been a season of adjustments for CBS's top NFL crew. As for Nantz's wrist, he'll likely be fine—but he might think twice before trying to punch out a football again.
For more on the evolving broadcasting landscape, check out Jim Nantz's thoughts on Tony Romo's return. And if you're a Bills fan, you might want to keep an eye on the James Cook trade chatter that's been heating up.
