Tensions between CBS executives and commentator Tony Romo existed prior to his July 23 arrest for driving under the influence in Wisconsin, according to Fox Sports host Colin Cowherd. Romo, who earns an $18 million annual salary from CBS, has been placed on leave by the network following the arrest. NFL player JJ Watt will fill his role alongside Jim Nantz for the upcoming season.
Cowherd stated on the "House of Strauss" podcast that resentment may have built up during Romo's lucrative 10-year, $180 million contract extension signed in 2020. He suggested Romo had significant leverage during those negotiations and "squeezed them for every nickel," which he believes can create animosity within a company.
"Even if you have leverage, it will create resentment somewhere upstairs," Cowherd said. "And I've always thought with the CBS execs, they don't defend him quite as quickly. Or, when this recent story came out, reportedly, for the first two days nobody from CBS contacted him."
Cowherd's remarks suggest that Romo's past contract dealings, particularly when ESPN reportedly attempted to hire him for "Monday Night Football" in 2017, may have contributed to the strained relationship. It remains unclear if Romo will return for the start of the NFL season or if he will continue to be paid while on leave. He is reportedly owed $72 million over the next four years of his contract.
CBS Sports confirmed Romo's leave in a statement, saying, "Tony Romo is on leave from his role at CBS Sports until further notice."
Romo's commentary has faced increasing scrutiny from fans in recent seasons. Criticisms have included perceived errors and unusual vocalizations during broadcasts. During the past NFL playoffs alone, Romo was noted for mistaking Josh Allen for Patrick Mahomes, emitting a strange groan during a Bills-Jaguars game, and misidentifying a fourth-down conversion.
Romo explained his audio issues during the Bills-Jaguars game by stating he felt unwell and that the broadcast team was "grinding through it." He also addressed a moment in December 2023, when he referred to Taylor Swift as Travis Kelce's wife while she was in attendance at a Kansas City Chiefs game, prior to the couple's public relationship and subsequent marriage.
The arrest occurred after Romo participated in a golf tournament in Milwaukee. Police bodycam footage released following the arrest shows Romo failing multiple sobriety tests. Despite Romo's initial assertion to officers that he had not consumed alcohol that day, citations indicate an open container was found in the passenger seat of his vehicle. Romo faces a potential $1,066 fine for the OWI charge, in addition to a $235 penalty for a moving violation. He is scheduled to appear in court on September 21, which falls during the second week of the 2026 NFL season.