CBS Sports has placed NFL analyst Tony Romo on leave following his arrest for operating while intoxicated in Milwaukee, with JJ Watt named as his replacement.
The network issued a statement on Friday: "Tony Romo is on leave from his role at CBS Sports until further notice." It remains unclear whether Romo will return before Week 1 of the NFL season or whether he is being paid during the suspension. He is owed $72 million over the remaining four years of his contract, which pays him $18 million a year.
According to NFL insider Adam Schefter, Watt will work alongside lead play-caller Jim Nantz and sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson for the time being.
Romo, 46 and a former Dallas Cowboys quarterback, was arrested on July 23 after participating in a golf tournament in Milwaukee. He was pulled over while driving home by a deputy who cited him for unsafe passing on the right and cutting across the gore.
When an officer asked how many drinks he had consumed, Romo replied, "Zero." He maintained he had not consumed any alcohol that day. Citations released by the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office revealed that an open container of alcohol was found on the passenger side of his Jeep.
When asked whether he would submit to a breath test, Romo refused. "Oh no, we're not doing that. I've heard from all the lawyers 'don't ever do that,'" he said.
Bodycam footage obtained by The Daily Mail showed Romo appearing glassy-eyed and rambling during sobriety tests. Before beginning the exercises, he leaned against the hood of the police car to stretch his back, repeatedly interrupted the officer as she explained the tasks, and asked her to demonstrate instructions multiple times. He also complained of pain from two back surgeries and asked officers at one point to let him out of the police cruiser to relieve his discomfort.
Romo initially refused to leave his Jeep, saying he intended to call his lawyer and film the interaction. When he eventually stepped out, he asked the officer, "Because I'm coming from a golf course you think I'm drunk?" He said he was on his way to meet his grandparents to catch a flight.
The OWI charge carries a $1,066 fine in addition to a $235 penalty for his moving violation. Romo is due back in court on September 21, which falls at the end of Week 2 of the 2026 NFL season.
The arrest comes as Romo was already facing criticism over his commentary. As he approaches what would be his 10th season with the network, viewers had called for him to step down following a series of errors, including confusing Josh Allen for Patrick Mahomes and letting out a bizarre groan during a Bills-Jaguars playoff game. Romo said at the time he felt unwell. "You're not going to miss a playoff game," he said.
Romo is married to Candice Crawford Romo, a former broadcast journalist and past Miss Missouri. They have three children.
