Jim Nantz and JJ Watt experience communication issue during CBS NFL broadcast

During the CBS broadcast of the Steelers-Patriots game on September 18, 2026, an awkward moment occurred between broadcaster Jim Nantz and analyst JJ Watt. Nantz was discussing Mike McCarthy's return to Pittsburgh as the Steelers' head coach, highlighting McCarthy's emotional connection to his hometown. He stated, "Of course the big story was Mike McCarthy getting a chance to return to the Steel City, move back basically to the same neighborhood where he was raised. He’s about a mile from the home he was raised in, his sisters live close by, his mom and dad are also just a minute drive away. It’s just storybook for Mike." Watt then added context about a previous conversation with McCarthy, noting how McCarthy drives past his childhood home daily and the emotions he felt after his first win with the team. However, it appeared that Nantz did not hear Watt's comments and repeated the same story about McCarthy receiving the game ball from Aaron Rodgers. This was only Watt's second game alongside Nantz, following Tony Romo's leave of absence due to an OWI arrest in July. CBS has not announced a timeline for Romo's return. For Week 3, Watt, Nantz, and Tracy Wolfson are scheduled to call the Ravens vs. Cowboys game at 4:25 p.m. ET.