Former NFL quarterback Tony Romo hit the links for his first public appearance since being arrested for OWI and subsequently being placed on leave by CBS Sports.
Romo, 46, competed in the pre-qualifying stage of the PGA Tour Q-School presented by Korn Ferry at The Club at Forest Ridge in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, on Wednesday, September 30. The former Cowboys star was seen at the event in video captured by Tulsa’s News on 6.
The Q-School is a four-stage qualifying tournament where professional golfers compete for membership status on the PGA Tour, Korn Ferry Tour, and PGA Tour Americas.
Romo, an avid golfer, was arrested in Wisconsin on July 23 on suspicion of operating a vehicle while under the influence.
The arrest happened shortly after Romo competed in the 2026 Wisconsin Amateur Championship golf tournament.
Romo failed multiple field sobriety tests after being pulled over and an “open bottle of an alcoholic beverage” was found in the passenger’s seat of his Jeep, though the Milwaukee Sheriff’s Office did not specify what kind of alcohol.
The former Cowboys quarterback was also issued a citation for “refusing to take test for intoxication after arrest,” according to court records viewed by Us.
Romo pleaded no contest on September 1, the same day he broke his silence about the arrest.
“I own this completely,” Romo 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.”
He continued, “As I have taught my three young sons: when you fall short, you stand up and take full responsibility. That is an important first step. The harder and more important step is examining the path that brought you here and making the changes necessary to move forward. That path requires honesty. None of this is an excuse. These are my failures, and I take responsibility for them.”
Romo said he was “working closely with a team of doctors to address my health and make the necessary changes.”
“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.”
Romo began working as an analyst for CBS Sports after retiring from the NFL. The network put him on leave “until further notice” on July 31.
No timetable for Romo’s return has been revealed. Former NFL star J.J. Watt has replaced Romo alongside commentator Jim Nantz on CBS’ No. 1 broadcasting crew.
