This Super Bowl is extra-special for Jim Nantz and Tony Romo
ATLANTA — Before Jim Nantz and Tony Romo ever called a game, they discussed a common goal: To be the next Pat Summerall and John Madden.
That is why Nantz finds it a nice touch that the first Super Bowl he and Romo will call together, this Sunday, Feb. 3, features the Rams and the Patriots.
On Feb. 3, 2002, the Rams and Patriots played in Super Bowl XXXVI in the final game Summerall and Madden called together.
“It is the 17-year anniversary to the day that Pat and John called their last game together,” Nantz told The Post. “Before [Tony and I did a game,] the two of us talked about how we wanted to try and be a modern-day version of Summerall and Madden. That is what we wanted to be.
“Now, I’m hearing people are making the comparisons. I hear a lot about the Madden ties with Tony. That is something that we talk about before we ever did a real game.”
Nantz’s agent, Sandy Montag, also represented both Madden and Summerall. Montag was in the booth for the legendary duo’s final broadcast in 2002 and he has had a front-row seat for Nantz and Romo.
The other day, Montag was on the phone with Madden discussing Romo. Montag expressed how Nantz and Romo bring the same big-game feel as Madden and Summerall did.
Madden, according to Montag, said Romo was amazing in the AFC Championship.
“I told him, ‘The amount of enthusiasm he has reminds me of you,’ ” Montag said before further comparing Romo to Madden. “Being in the booth, you get the feeling there is no place he would rather be.”
Nantz hopes the coincidence, which was unearthed by his editorial consultant, Tommy Spencer, is a sign.
“Their last Super Bowl was Rams and Patriots and our first that I think will be of many to come will be Rams Patriots,” Nantz said.
By the way, Romo predicted the game will end 28-24 and the team that loses will have the ball last, but won’t score.
On Sunday morning, CBS’ “Face the Nation” will air Margaret Brennan’s interview with President Donald Trump. Then at 3:30 p.m., during the Super Bowl pregame show, CBS News will do a report on the interview.
More pregame news: Joe Namath will do a segment during the show, as CBS will look back at the Jets’ Super Bowl III victory a half- century ago. Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson and Broncos linebacker Von Miller also will be part of the festivities.
Future stars: When asked about current players and coaches who could be strong future TV analysts, CBS Sports Chairman Sean McManus mentioned Drew Brees, Philip Rivers, Mike Tomlin and Benjamin Watson.
Asked the same question, CBS/NFL Network’s Nate Burleson said Larry Fitzgerald. The interesting aspect for the modern stars as compared to those of the past is that they make so much money as players they don’t need to work on TV after retiring to support their lifestyles. Some like to stay in the game and some like the spotlight. Some appreciate both.
The Super Bowl has long been the most watched TV event of the year, but the focus on every aspect continues to grow.
“The pressure gets more intense for every one of these I do,” said McManus, who will work his seventh Super Bowl on Sunday.
“Social media plays into that. There is instantaneous feedback and critiques. Most of it negative or a lot of negative. Everyone is paying attention to your announcers. Everyone is paying attention to the coverage of the game. If there is a controversial play, and we certainly saw it in the AFC Championship Game, they want to know that CBS has the definitive crystal clear look.”
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