CBS Sports Confirms Tony Romo’s Departure following arrest for operating a vehicle while intoxicated

CBS Sports and former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo have mutually agreed to part ways, ending his nine-year tenure as the network’s lead NFL game analyst following his arrest in Wisconsin for operating a vehicle while intoxicated.

CBS Sports announced the decision on Friday, October 2, saying it thanked Romo for his contributions and wished him well.

“CBS Sports and Tony Romo have mutually agreed to part ways,” the network said in a statement. J.J. Watt, who had been filling in for Romo, will continue alongside play-by-play announcer Jim Nantz and sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson on CBS’ lead NFL broadcast team for the remainder of the 2026 season.

Romo, 46, had been on indefinite leave from CBS since his July 23 arrest in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Authorities said he was stopped while driving on Interstate 43 and subsequently arrested on suspicion of operating while intoxicated.

According to the arrest report, officers observed driving behaviour that prompted the traffic stop, while Romo displayed signs that officers considered consistent with impairment. He underwent field sobriety testing before being taken into custody.

Romo pleaded no contest to the OWI charge on September 1. Under the resulting court order, he lost his driving privileges for six months and was required to complete an alcohol assessment programme. He was also ordered to use an ignition interlock device under the terms of the court order.

Following the plea, Romo said he was taking responsibility for his actions. He also said that multiple back surgeries during his playing career had left him with chronic pain and that his attempts to move away from pain medication contributed to an over-reliance on alcohol.

Romo said he was working with doctors and intended to focus on his health and family. In his statement following Friday’s announcement, he said he was proud of what he had accomplished during his nine years with CBS and planned to take a break before considering his next professional opportunity.

Romo joined CBS Sports in 2017 after retiring from the NFL. He quickly became one of the network’s most prominent football analysts, working alongside Nantz on CBS’ principal NFL broadcast team.

Before entering broadcasting, Romo spent his entire 13-year NFL playing career with the Dallas Cowboys. He made four Pro Bowl appearances between 2004 and 2016 before retiring from professional football.

J.J. Watt had initially been brought into CBS’ lead broadcast team as Romo’s temporary replacement following the arrest. With Friday’s announcement, CBS confirmed that Watt will remain in the role for the rest of the season.

The network said its other broadcast teams would remain unchanged.

Romo’s departure brings an end to his time as one of the most recognisable voices on CBS’ NFL coverage, while he said he would now take time away from broadcasting to concentrate on his health and family before deciding on his next move.