Full Breakdown
Tony Romo’s OWI Arrest Triggers Indefinite Leave from CBS Sports
8/4/2026, 3:50:52 AM
Core Event
Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo was arrested on July 23 in Milwaukee on suspicion of operating a vehicle while under the influence (OWI). Officers observed an open bottle in the passenger side of Romo’s Jeep, noted “red, glassy eyes,” and Romo refused a breath test. CBS Sports announced that Romo is on indefinite leave from his role as the network’s lead NFL color analyst “until further notice.” The network confirmed that former NFL defensive end J.J. Watt will join play-by-play announcer Jim Nantz and sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson as the lead broadcast team during Romo’s absence.
Background & Context
Romo retired from the Cowboys in April 2017 and immediately became CBS’s top NFL analyst, a position he has held for more than six seasons and through three Super Bowl broadcasts. His on-air contract, signed in 2020, is reported either as a ten-year, $180 million deal or as more than $70 million remaining over four years, reflecting differing public sources.
Timeline
- July 23 – Romo arrested for OWI in Milwaukee.
- July 31 – CBS places Romo on leave.
- August 1 – Cowboys owner Jerry Jones says he has spoken with Romo and believes he will “work through” the situation.
- September 13 (scheduled) – First regular-season game expected to be called by Nantz, Watt and Wolfson.
- September 21 (scheduled) – Romo’s court appearance.
Data & Statistics
- Contract value: Ten-year, $180 million (source A) or over $70 million remaining (source B).
- Legal citations: OWI, refusal to submit to a breath test, and possession of an open container.
- Broadcast team: J.J. Watt, a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, will fill Romo’s spot alongside Nantz and Wolfson.
Official Statements & Responses
CBS Sports released a brief statement confirming Romo’s leave and announcing Watt’s temporary promotion. The network did not comment on the duration of the leave or any contractual ramifications. Jerry Jones publicly reiterated his support for Romo, emphasizing the former quarterback’s character and resilience.
Verbatim Quotes
- “And so this is something that he will work through. He is a unique talent. ... So, obviously, I’m a big fan of his, big fan of his family, and let me tell you right now, he’s as real as he sounds. He feels every down time, he feels every up time.” — Jerry Jones
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Contract figures: Sources differ on the total value and remaining balance of Romo’s CBS agreement, leaving uncertainty about the financial impact of a possible termination.
- Future role: No definitive timeline has been provided for Romo’s return, and CBS has not disclosed whether a “morals clause” will be invoked.
- Legal outcome: Romo’s court date is set for September 21; the resolution remains pending.
Why It Matters / Impact
Romo’s suspension marks the first major personnel shift for CBS Sports under Paramount ownership, testing the network’s handling of high-profile talent controversies. The temporary elevation of J.J. Watt may influence future analyst pairings, while the situation also highlights Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones’s influence with major broadcasters. How CBS resolves Romo’s contract and on-air role could set precedents for handling similar incidents involving prominent media personalities.
