Tony Romo's tenure as a lead NFL analyst for CBS may be nearing its end following his arrest last month on suspicion of operating while intoxicated (OWI) in Wisconsin. The former Dallas Cowboys quarterback, who earns $18 million annually from CBS, has been placed on leave "until further notice," with NFL legend JJ Watt stepping in to call games alongside Jim Nantz.
The decision by CBS executives came weeks before the start of the new NFL season, shortly after the release of police bodycam footage showing Romo, 46, failing multiple sobriety tests. According to a report from Puck News, a significant number of sports media executives believe Romo's return to the CBS broadcast booth is unlikely. They reportedly fear that the arrest and accompanying footage could prove detrimental to the network's image, raising concerns about viewer perception and potential backlash from advocacy groups like Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), which could make sponsors uncomfortable.
This situation follows claims by sports analyst Colin Cowherd that underlying tension has existed between Romo and CBS since he signed a lucrative 10-year, $180 million contract in 2020. Cowherd suggested on the "House of Strauss" podcast that Romo's aggressive contract negotiations may have created resentment within CBS management. He noted that the network's delayed response to Romo's recent arrest, with no initial contact from CBS for two days, could indicate this lingering friction. Romo's leverage at the time of his contract signing was reportedly amplified by ESPN's interest in him for "Monday Night Football."
It remains unclear if Romo will return for the start of the NFL season or if he will be paid during his leave. He is owed $72 million over the remaining four years of his contract.
Romo's performance as the lead color analyst has also faced increasing criticism from fans. As he approaches his tenth season with CBS, he has been the subject of calls for his resignation due to perceived "strange affectations and errors in commentary." Examples cited include confusing players, bizarre on-air reactions, and misinterpreting game situations. Romo previously attributed a difficult broadcast to feeling unwell and having multiple people sick on his crew during a playoff game.
Romo's arrest on July 23 occurred after he participated in a golf tournament in Milwaukee. While driving, he was pulled over by law enforcement. Despite Romo's assertion to officers that he had not consumed alcohol that day, citations released by the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office indicated an open container of alcohol was found in his vehicle. The OWI charge carries a significant fine, in addition to a penalty for a moving violation. Romo is scheduled to return to court on September 21, which falls during the second week of the 2026 NFL season.