Tony Romo and CBS Sports have mutually agreed to part ways after nine years, ending a broadcast tenure that saw the former Dallas Cowboys quarterback become the network’s lead NFL color analyst before an offseason arrest in Wisconsin disrupted his broadcasting career.
The awkward holding pattern surrounding the network’s lead NFL color commentator has officially ended. CBS announced on Friday that it is parting ways with Romo, who had been on indefinite leave following his July arrest on suspicion of operating a vehicle while intoxicated in Milwaukee.
Romo joined CBS in 2017 immediately after his 13-year career with the Dallas Cowboys ended, quickly becoming an instant star in broadcasting due to his enthusiasm and ability to predict plays before they happened. In 2020, CBS and Romo agreed to a 10-year contract for $180 million, leaving him with four years and $72 million remaining on the deal at the time of their split.
“CBS Sports and Tony Romo have mutually agreed to part ways. We thank Tony for his contributions over the past nine years and wish him the best moving forward.”
CBS Sports, via statement to WISN 12 News
The July Arrest in Wisconsin and Subsequent Legal Fallout
Romo’s legal trouble began on July 23 after a golf event in Wisconsin, when he was pulled over on Interstate 43 in Milwaukee. According to law enforcement records, the former quarterback was observed passing cars in a gore area separating interstate traffic from on-ramp lanes.
A police report detailed that Romo performed poorly on standardized field sobriety tests, displayed glassy eyes, and emitted a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage. Deputies also discovered an open bottle of alcohol in the passenger seat of his Jeep. Court records later showed his blood alcohol concentration registered at .15, nearly double the legal limit, following a blood sample taken more than three hours after the traffic stop.
Facing multiple citations for operating under the influence, unsafe passing, possessing an open intoxicant, and refusing a chemical test, Romo entered a no contest plea on Sept. 1. Under the terms resolved in court, his driver’s license was revoked for six months, he received a fine of $784, and he was ordered to complete an Alcohol Assessment Program alongside installing an ignition interlock device on any vehicle he owns for a year.
Romo Breaks Silence on Career Pain and Personal Struggles
On the day of his no contest plea, Romo addressed the public regarding the factors that led to his arrest. He pointed directly to the physical toll of his 13-year playing career with the Dallas Cowboys, which ended prematurely due to multiple back surgeries.
“Multiple back surgeries ended my career earlier than I expected and left me with constant, debilitating pain. That pain led to a dependence on pain medication, and my efforts to get off those medications led to an over-reliance on alcohol. None of this is an excuse. These are my failures, and I take responsibility for them.”
Tony Romo, via Instagram statement
Following his departure from CBS, Romo issued an additional statement outlining his immediate plans to focus on rehabilitation and family.
“I’m going to use this time to take a break, something I’ve never done before, and focus on my health and my family before moving on to my next opportunity. I am grateful for my time with CBS Sports and for the continued support of my family and friends, as well as the NFL community and fans.”
Tony Romo, via Front Office Sports
Romo recently made his first public appearance since the incident, competing in the pre-qualifying stage of the PGA Tour Q-School at The Club at Forest Ridge in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.
J.J. Watt Assumes Permanent Role on the Lead Broadcast Team
When CBS initially placed Romo on leave on July 31—with network executives noting the importance of protecting the corporate brand from external distractions—former NFL defensive standout J.J. Watt stepped into the analyst chair.
Watt, a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year who recorded 114.5 sacks in a 12-year career with the Houston Texans and Arizona Cardinals before joining CBS in 2023, has spent the opening weeks of the regular season calling games alongside play-by-play announcer Jim Nantz and sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson. With Friday’s announcement, CBS confirmed that Watt will remain on the lead broadcast team for the remainder of the season.
| Broadcasting Role | Personnel |
|---|---|
| Lead Color Analyst | J.J. Watt |
| Play-by-Play Announcer | Jim Nantz |
| Sideline Reporter | Tracy Wolfson |
CBS also stated that all other broadcast pairings remain unchanged, featuring teams led by commentators such as Ian Eagle alongside Ross Tucker and Evan Washburn.