Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback and CBS NFL analyst Tony Romo was arrested on suspicion of operating while intoxicated in Milwaukee on Thursday, July 23, 2026. Romo was taken into custody after performing poorly on field sobriety tests during a traffic stop on Interstate 43.
The arrest occurred around 6 p.m. CDT as Romo was traveling southbound on Interstate 43, specifically on the high-rise bridge, according to reports from the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office. After the stop, officials determined Romo had performed poorly
on standardized field sobriety tests. He was booked on one count of allegedly operating while intoxicated and released later that night.
Wisconsin Amateur Championship and the I-43 Stop
Romo’s presence in his home state was tied to the Wisconsin Amateur Championship golf tournament held at West Bend Country Club. He spent the week competing in the event, where he ultimately tied for 73rd place with a four-round total of 315. This finish put him 32 strokes behind the tournament champion, Spencer Turtz.
The timing of the arrest was tight; the stop happened just hours after Romo had completed a golf course interview with WTMJ, an NBC affiliate. During that interview, Romo spoke about the balance between his professional football career and his passion for golf.
“I’m competitive in both,” Romo told the NBC station. “I am just better at football. But I think we’re gaining strides.”
Tony Romo
Legal Penalties for First-Offense OWI in Wisconsin
Under Wisconsin law, a first-offense operating while intoxicated (OWI) is generally treated as a civil offense rather than a criminal charge. This distinguishes Wisconsin from many other states where similar incidents are classified as criminal. According to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, the typical penalty for a first-time OWI includes a fine between $150 and $300.
However, the financial impact extends beyond the base fine. The state also imposes a $435 OWI surcharge. Additionally, if found guilty, Romo could face a suspension of his driver’s license.
CBS Response and NFL Broadcast Implications
Romo has served as the lead game analyst for CBS’ NFL coverage since 2017, forming a primary broadcast team alongside play-by-play announcer Jim Nantz and sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson. When reached for comment regarding the arrest, CBS declined to comment.
The legal timeline creates a potential conflict with the NFL season. Romo has been ordered to appear in court on September 21. This date falls on the Monday night of the NFL’s Week 2. For context, the top CBS matchup for that weekend is expected to feature the Pittsburgh Steelers visiting the New England Patriots.
Romo’s Ties to Burlington and Dallas
The arrest brings Romo back to the region where he first gained prominence. A native of Burlington, Wisconsin—located roughly 30 to 40 miles southwest of Milwaukee—Romo was a standout athlete at Burlington High School, becoming the first Burlington High School student-athlete to be named all-state in three sports: football, basketball, and golf. The Burlington Area School District named Tony Romo Field in February 2020.
His professional trajectory began in 2003 when he signed with the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent. Over 13 seasons, Romo became the franchise’s all-time leader in touchdown passes with 248.
Court Proceedings and Next Steps
As of Friday, July 24, it remains unclear if Romo has retained a defense attorney. The immediate next step in the legal process is the September 21 court appearance. Because this is reported as a first offense, the outcome is likely to be limited to the civil fines and surcharges mentioned by state officials, provided no other complicating factors emerge.
For now, the focus remains on whether the timing of the court date will interfere with his duties in the CBS booth during the early stages of the NFL season.
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