Romo’s CBS future remains uncertain as legal proceedings continue
Tony Romo’s future with CBS Sports has become a closely watched question following his Wisconsin OWI arrest. The network placed the longtime NFL analyst on leave, while CBS executives have yet to announce a timeline for his return.
Meanwhile, changes to the broadcast lineup have put another familiar face in the spotlight. With new citations filed and Romo’s legal case still pending, questions remain about what comes next for the former Cowboys quarterback and CBS’s top NFL booth.
The July arrest started the CBS review
Romo was stopped on Interstate 43 in Milwaukee on July 23 after authorities reported concerns about his driving. Police said he performed poorly on standardized field sobriety tests before being arrested and released.
The case involved an OWI allegation, along with related citations. Romo’s legal proceedings continued after additional citations were filed, and his case moved forward through Milwaukee County court.
CBS placed Romo on leave
CBS Sports announced July 31 that Romo was on leave from his role as lead NFL analyst until further notice. The decision came eight days after his arrest and removed him from the planned lead team.
CBS did not announce a permanent replacement at that time. J.J. Watt was announced as the temporary replacement alongside Jim Nantz and Tracy Wolfson while Romo remained on leave.
Three additional citations were filed
Milwaukee County records were updated on August 27 to add citations against Romo for a first-offense operating while intoxicated (OWI), unsafe passing on the right, and possessing open intoxicants. These joined a prior citation for refusing to take an intoxication test following his initial arrest. The case has since concluded.
Romo pleaded no contest to the OWI charge, resulting in a formal conviction, a financial fine, and a six-month suspension of his driver’s license. The remaining minor traffic citations were absorbed into the final plea agreement.
Romo has accepted responsibility
Tony Romo said he accepts full responsibility for the July OWI incident and described it as a personal failure. In a public statement after pleading no contest to the charge, Romo said he has been working with medical professionals to address the personal issues connected to the incident. He also discussed how chronic pain from football injuries and previous medical struggles contributed to his over-reliance on alcohol.
Romo said he is committed to making changes, focusing on his health and family, and taking the necessary steps to move forward. He also expressed his desire to eventually return to his role as CBS Sports’ lead NFL analyst, although the network has not announced a decision on his future.
CBS has not announced a return date
CBS Sports president David Berson said the network’s decision regarding Tony Romo’s future remained unresolved after his July OWI arrest. Berson previously described the situation as evolving and said CBS was still assessing the circumstances surrounding Romo’s leave.
Although Romo has publicly addressed the incident and expressed his intention to return to broadcasting, CBS has not announced whether he will be reinstated as the lead NFL analyst alongside Jim Nantz and Tracy Wolfson. The network continues to evaluate the situation while J.J. Watt serves as lead analyst.
Interesting fact: Tony Romo went undrafted in 2003 before signing with the Dallas Cowboys as a free agent, eventually becoming the franchise’s career leader in touchdown passes.
J.J. Watt is filling the lead role
J.J. Watt has been moved into Romo’s spot on CBS Sports’ lead NFL broadcast team during Romo’s absence. Watt will work with play-by-play announcer Jim Nantz and sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson.
CBS previously used Watt on its second NFL broadcast team with Ian Eagle. His promotion gives the network an established analyst for its top crew while Romo remains away from broadcasts.
Interesting fact: Romo has been CBS Sports’ lead NFL analyst since 2017, making the move to broadcasting immediately after his playing career and calling three Super Bowls with Jim Nantz.
The replacement begins with a major opener
Watt is scheduled to join Nantz and Wolfson for CBS’s Sept. 13 broadcast of the Minnesota Vikings against the Green Bay Packers. The assignment places Watt on the network’s lead team as the regular season begins.
CBS has not said that Watt’s assignment is permanent for the season. The network’s public statements have continued to describe Romo’s status as unresolved while his legal case proceeds.
Romo’s contract remains in place
Romo signed a 10-year, $180 million contract with CBS, and reports say the agreement runs through the 2030 season. The contract has remained part of the discussion since CBS placed him on leave from its lead broadcasts.
The network has not publicly announced a termination of that agreement. CBS has instead said it is assessing the situation, while Romo’s longer-term broadcast role remains unresolved.
The legal case has a September hearing
Romo’s next scheduled court date is Sept. 21 at 8:30 a.m. in Milwaukee County. The hearing follows the July arrest, the refusal-related citation, and three additional citations filed Aug. 27.
Authorities have not publicly reported a final resolution of the case. The pending court date is a scheduled legal event as Romo and CBS consider next steps surrounding his professional status.
Body camera footage became part of the story
Authorities released body camera footage showing Romo during the traffic stop and field sobriety testing. The footage added details to the public record after CBS placed him on leave.
Police records said Romo showed signs that officers associated with possible impairment. The records also said an open bottle of an alcoholic beverage was found on the passenger side of the vehicle during an inventory before it was towed.
CBS is using its existing broadcast depth
CBS has emphasized that it has enough broadcast talent to cover Romo’s absence. Watt’s promotion to the lead team and Ross Tucker’s move to the second team allowed the network to adjust its NFL coverage.
The changes were announced as CBS prepared for the 2026 regular season. They provide established analysts while executives continue evaluating Romo’s situation and await developments in his legal case.
The internet is also talking about how Browns face $86.2 million cap hit if they release Deshaun Watson.
The next steps depend on unresolved decisions
Romo’s representative has confirmed communication with CBS, but the network has not announced whether or when he will return. CBS also has not disclosed whether Romo’s current leave will change before his Sept. 21 court date.
For now, Watt is scheduled to serve as lead analyst alongside Nantz and Wolfson. Romo’s legal proceedings, CBS’s assessment, and future announcements will shape what happens next.
In other news, Myles Gaskin retires from NFL at age 29 after seven seasons.
What do you think CBS should do next with Tony Romo? Share your take in the comments, and if you found this update interesting, give the slideshow a like!
This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.
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