Tony Romo placed on leave by CBS Sports after OWI arrest

Tony Romo, the former Dallas Cowboys quarterback and lead NFL analyst for CBS Sports, has been placed on leave “until further notice” following his arrest in Wisconsin on suspicion of operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OWI). The network confirmed the decision on July 31, 2026, with former NFL defensive end J.J. Watt set to temporarily replace Romo in the broadcast booth for upcoming games.

Romo, 46, was arrested on July 23 after being pulled over on Interstate 43 in Milwaukee. According to police reports, officers observed Romo driving in a manner that included unsafe passing and lane deviations. Body camera footage released later showed Romo failing field sobriety tests and admitting to having an “odor of an intoxicating alcoholic beverage.” A deputy noted Romo’s “red glassy eyes” and questioned him about his awareness of a gore area, a section of the highway separating traffic from on-ramps. An open container of alcohol was found in the passenger side of Romo’s vehicle during an inventory, according to citations from the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office.

Romo was booked into the Milwaukee County Jail and released later that evening. Under Wisconsin law, a first-offense OWI is typically treated as a civil offense, though it can lead to fines, license suspensions, and mandatory participation in a sobriety program if his blood alcohol level is determined to be above the legal limit. His court appearance is scheduled for September 21.

CBS Sports announced Romo’s leave without specifying a timeline for his potential return. The network cited the ongoing legal process as the reason for the decision. Romo, who joined CBS in 2017 after a 13-year NFL career with the Cowboys, had been part of the network’s top broadcast team, partnering with play-by-play announcer Jim Nantz. His departure leaves a gap in the lineup, with Watt—whose tenure at CBS began in 2023—now set to join Nantz and sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson for NFL coverage.

According to reports, Romo’s contract with CBS is valued at over $70 million, with at least four years remaining. Legal experts suggest the network may face significant financial risks if it chooses to terminate his contract, though the presence of a morals clause or termination provision could mitigate some costs. CBS has not commented on potential legal or financial steps, but the network’s decision to place Romo on leave indicates a precautionary approach amid the ongoing case.

Romo’s arrest has also reignited scrutiny of his recent tenure at CBS. While he was initially praised for his analytical skills, critics have pointed to lapses in preparation in recent seasons. His absence from the broadcast booth comes as the network prepares for the 2026 NFL season, with a preseason game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Philadelphia Eagles set for August 28. CBS is expected to announce its regular-season game assignments and announcer pairings in the coming weeks.

Romo, who grew up in Burlington, Wisconsin, and played high school football 35 miles from Milwaukee, has not publicly addressed the arrest. His legal team has also remained silent. The case remains pending, with the outcome likely to influence CBS’s next steps regarding his role at the network.