Why Tony Romo’s AFC Championship broadcast has fans talking
The AFC Championship Game between the Patriots and Broncos was called by Jim Nantz and Tony Romo, and fans aren’t pleased with Romo’s commentary.
After the Patriots’ snowy 10–7 win over the Broncos in the AFC Championship Game, one unexpected topic quickly began trending on social media: CBS analyst Tony Romo.
Romo, longtime color commentator alongside play-by-play voice Jim Nantz, has been a fan-favorite in years past for his energy and knack for predicting plays, but his call of Sunday’s game sparked fresh backlash from viewers online.
Listening to Tony Romo calling the Patriots/Broncos game pic.twitter.com/I3Dgz5pPdu
— Bill (@BuyHimOutBoys) January 25, 2026
Why are fans mad at Tony Romo after the AFC Championship?
A major source of criticism stemmed from how Romo handled key moments involving Broncos backup QB Jarrett Stidham. Fans pointed out that Romo repeatedly portrayed Stidham as having time to throw before he was sacked, which some viewers felt undermined the on-field reality and drew attention away from the game itself.
Romo saying Stidham would “have more time here” as Barmore was throwing him to the ground for a sack is high comedy.
— Andy Hart (@JumboHart) January 25, 2026
Across platforms like X and Reddit, fans called out Romo for talking too much or missing the mark with commentary that didn’t match what viewers were seeing on the field. Some even demanded that CBS consider other analysts like J.J. Watt for future big games.
This isn’t the first time Romo’s broadcasting style has drawn criticism. In earlier playoff broadcasts, including a Bills vs Broncos game, he notably mistakenly referred to Bills quarterback Josh Allen as Patrick Mahomes, instantly becoming a viral moment.
Tony Romo calling Josh Allen Mahomes is the final form of glazing
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) January 17, 2026
pic.twitter.com/vymfSahHAf
Some long-time fans have also complained that Romo’s energetic, predictive commentary that was once his signature has become repetitive or misaligned with what’s happening on the field, leading to calls for different voices in big playoff booths.
CBS needs to get Tony Romo out of the booth. He is so dog shit at announcing. It was fun for awhile but all he does is ramble on and on and try and predict everything instead of give real information and explain or teach.
— Erik Savage (@esavy13) January 25, 2026
Are the conditions bad in Denver? I wasn't aware. Need Tony Romo to tell me for the 50th fucking time that the conditions are bad. Can barely see the field but please Tony, tell me how bad the conditions are
— Jeff Sunday (@TheDegenWeekly) January 25, 2026
Despite the online heat, industry insiders say CBS executives aren’t panicking over social media reactions. Romo remains under a long-term deal and is still considered part of the network’s core NFL broadcast team, even if viewer sentiment fluctuates from game to game.
For now, Romo remains behind the mic, but the AFC Championship meltdown over his commentary shows just how passionate and unforgiving NFL audiences can be when they feel an analyst misses the mark.
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