CBS Sports is undergoing changes to its NFL broadcast lineup for the upcoming season due to Tony Romo's indefinite leave of absence following his recent arrest. CBS Sports president David Berson stated that there is "no timetable" for Romo's return.
Ross Tucker will be promoted to the network's No. 2 broadcast team, partnering with Ian Eagle and replacing J.J. Watt. Watt, in turn, will step up to the top broadcast team alongside Jim Nantz, filling the void left by Romo. Romo, who earns an estimated $18 million annually from CBS, was placed on leave after being stopped by authorities in Wisconsin last month. Police bodycam footage released from the incident showed Romo failing multiple sobriety tests.
"Tony Romo is on leave from his role at CBS Sports until further notice," a CBS spokesperson confirmed. Romo's absence was notable at CBS Sports' media day in New York, where the network previewed the new NFL season.
Berson addressed the situation during the press conference, emphasizing that it is a personal and legal matter for Romo. "I hope you can respect and appreciate this is a personal matter, and a legal one for Tony. So I can't speak to that aspect. But I can say this is an evolving situation. Therefore, we're still assessing," Berson said. He added, "There's no timetable or final decision at this time. Since it continues to evolve, and we're on the eve of the season, I felt it was very important that our team, the many, many people who work on the NFL on CBS, have certainty and direction so we can definitively plan."
Berson also highlighted the importance of maintaining the network's image and brand. "In making this decision, we had to consider the impact on our image and our brand. That's very important to us. Whether the games, marketing, PR, social, the focus should be - and needs to be - on our presentation and this great product and not on any other factors," he stated. He expressed confidence in the network's talent depth, noting, "Fortunately, we have a very deep bench. I'm very proud of the way everybody is stepping up and responding. As you know, J.J. will join Jim and Tracy as the lead team in Tony's absence. They are already knee-deep in planning. I have every confidence they'll be great."
Tucker, who has been part of the CBS broadcasting rotation since 2023, was reportedly being considered for an analyst role in CBS' fourth booth following Jason McCourty's departure to ESPN and Charles Davis' move to college football. However, Romo's arrest has accelerated his promotion.
CBS' NFL schedule begins on Sunday, September 13. Reports have suggested that Romo may not return to the network, with some speculating that tension had been building since he signed a 10-year, $180 million contract in 2020. This contract, according to analyst Colin Cowherd, gave Romo significant leverage and may have created resentment.
Romo is scheduled to appear in court on September 21, though his physical presence is not required. The OWI charge carries a potential fine of $1,066, in addition to a $235 penalty for a moving violation.
Greg Olsen, who was previously in a similar situation at Fox, has been mentioned as a potential candidate to replace Romo should he depart CBS. Olsen reportedly has a clause in his Fox contract that allows him to leave if offered a lead broadcast position at another network.