Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has voiced his support for former quarterback Tony Romo, who was recently placed on leave by CBS Sports following an operating while intoxicated (OWI) arrest in Wisconsin.
Jones stated that he has spoken with Romo and believes the retired player, known for his resilience on and off the field, will navigate this challenge. "Do you think Tony Romo knows how to get up when he gets knocked down?" Jones asked, referencing Romo's history of overcoming adversity, including going undrafted out of college and becoming an NFL star. "He's had a life of that. And absolutely, that's one of his greatest attributes is that he can handle adversity. This is something that he will work through."
Romo, who spent his NFL career with the Dallas Cowboys and earned four Pro Bowl selections, transitioned to broadcasting after his retirement in 2016. He has become a prominent NFL analyst for CBS Sports.
Following his July 23 arrest in Milwaukee, Romo was placed on leave by CBS Sports. The arrest occurred after Romo participated in a golf tournament and was stopped by police while driving. Citations released by the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office indicated an open container of alcohol was found in his vehicle, despite Romo's assertion to officers that he had not consumed alcohol that day.
His OWI charge includes a fine of $1,066 and a separate penalty for a moving violation. Romo is scheduled to appear in court on September 21, which falls at the end of the second week of the 2026 NFL season.
Jones praised Romo's unique talent and vision, both as a player and an announcer. "He is a unique talent," Jones said. "His vision was just mesmerizing when he was a player. But he sees things and can articulate it so instantly... It’s made him a great, great portrayer of football games."
NFL insider Adam Schefter reported that J.J. Watt is expected to replace Romo as the lead color analyst, working alongside Jim Nantz and Tracy Wolfson for the interim period.
Romo's commentary has faced increasing scrutiny from fans in recent seasons, with criticisms focusing on perceived errors and unusual delivery. During the past playoffs, incidents such as confusing quarterbacks and making commentary errors drew public attention. Romo had previously attributed feeling unwell during one broadcast to a team-wide illness.
Romo is married to Candice Crawford Romo, and they have three children. His playing career began after going undrafted in 2003, and he became a prominent figure for the Cowboys before transitioning to broadcasting.