CBS Sports is officially moving on from Tony Romo following the broadcaster’s arrest for operating a vehicle while intoxicated in July.
“CBS Sports and Tony Romo have mutually agreed to part ways,” the network said in a statement to Us on Friday, October 2. “We thank Tony for his contributions over the past nine years and wish him the best moving forward.”
Former NFL defensive end J.J. Watt will continue to join play-by-play announcer Jim Nantz on CBS Sports’ No. 1 broadcast crew for the rest of the season, per the network. All of the other broadcasting teams will also remain the same.
In a statement, Romo said, “I’m proud of what I accomplished at CBS Sports over the last nine years. I approached my role as a game analyst the way I’ve approached everything in my life – with a desire to win and be the best that I can be. I’m going to use this time to take a break, something I’ve never done before, and focus on my health and my family before moving on to my next opportunity. I am grateful for my time with CBS Sports and for the continued support of my family and friends, as well as the NFL community and fans.”
Romo, 46, was arrested on July 23 on suspicion of operating a vehicle while under the influence after playing in the 2026 Wisconsin Amateur Championship golf tournament.
The former Dallas Cowboys quarterback failed multiple field sobriety tests before being taken into custody. The Milwaukee Sheriff’s Office found “an open bottle of an alcoholic beverage” in the passenger’s seat of Romo’s vehicle, though they did not specify what kind.
In bodycam footage obtained by Us, Romo told police officers he was on his way to “meet grandma and grandpa.”
Romo was also issued a citation for “refusing to take test for intoxication after arrest,” according to court records viewed by Us.
CBS Sports placed Romo on leave “until further notice” on July 31.
A spokesperson for Romo said in August that “Tony accepts full responsibility for his actions and has taken proactive steps to ensure that this isolated civil matter is properly resolved.”
Romo’s spokesperson also said they were “communicating with CBS about next steps.”
Romo pleaded no contest to the OWI charge on September 1, the same day he broke his silence about the arrest.
“I own this completely,” he shared in a statement via Instagram. “Multiple back surgeries ended my career earlier than I expected and left me with constant, debilitating pain. That pain led to a dependence on pain medication, and my efforts to get off those medications led to an over-reliance on alcohol.”
At the time, Romo optimistically suggested that his time at CBS wasn’t over.
“I am deeply grateful for the support of my family, my friends, and the NFL community including players, coaches, and owners,” he said. “Your encouragement has meant more to me than you know. As I turn my attention to my health, my family and, in time, my return to CBS, I kindly ask for privacy during this period.”
After pleading no contest to the OWI charge, Romo also had his driving privileges revoked for six months and was ordered to complete an alcohol assessment program. Furthermore, the athlete must have an ignition interlock device installed on any car he owns, registers or operates for at least one year after his driving privileges are restored.
