Full Breakdown
Tony Romo Placed on Indefinite Leave by CBS After OWI Arrest
7/31/2026, 9:39:13 PM
Core Event
Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback and CBS Sports lead NFL analyst Tony Romo was arrested in Milwaukee on July 23 after deputies stopped his black Jeep for unsafe passing. Police said Romo performed poorly on field-sobriety tests, was found with an open container of alcohol, and was cited for operating while intoxicated (OWI), unsafe passing, possession of an open container, and refusing a chemical test. CBS announced on July 31 that Romo would be placed “until further notice” from his on-air duties. A court appearance is scheduled for September 21.
Background & Context
Romo played his entire 13-year NFL career (2004-2016) with the Dallas Cowboys, earning four Pro Bowl selections and holding the franchise record for career touchdown passes. He retired in 2016 and joined CBS Sports in April 2017 as the network’s lead color commentator, pairing with play-by-play announcer Jim Nantz and sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson.
Timeline
- July 23 – Milwaukee County deputies stop Romo on Interstate 43; citations issued.
- July 27 – Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office releases one citation.
- July 28 – Body-camera footage made public.
- July 31 – CBS places Romo on leave “until further notice.”
- September 21 – Intake hearing.
Data & Statistics
- Three citations: OWI, unsafe passing, open-container violation.
- Open bottle of alcohol found in the passenger side.
- Field-sobriety performance judged poor; Romo was booked and released the same night.
Official Statements & Responses
CBS released a statement confirming Romo’s leave and naming former Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt as his temporary replacement. The Milwaukee County District Attorney’s office described the OWI as a traffic violation rather than a criminal charge under Wisconsin law.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Tony Romo is on leave from his role at CBS Sports until further notice. JJ Watt will join Jim Nantz and Tracy Wolfson as CBS Sports’ lead NFL team during Tony Romo’s absence.” — CBS statement
- “I’m going to call my lawyer … if that’s okay.” — Tony Romo
- “For the time being, analyst JJ Watt will replace Tony Romo, and work alongside Jim Nantz and Tracy Wolfson,” — Adam Schefter
Why It Matters / Impact
CBS’s decision removes its top analyst from the lead broadcast team weeks before the NFL season begins. J.J. Watt, a three-time Defensive Player of the Year who joined CBS in 2023, will partner with Nantz and Wolfson for the upcoming games. Romo’s contract—reportedly $18 million per year through 2030—remains in force pending the legal outcome.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on Romo’s admission of alcohol consumption. Some reports say he initially told deputies he had “zero” drinks and later acknowledged one Corona; others note he maintained he had not been drinking at the time of the stop. No blood-alcohol result has been released, and the court has not yet ruled on the refusal citation, leaving the precise level of intoxication unverified.
