Tony Romo and CBS Sports Mutually Agree to Part Ways Following OWI Arrest

Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback and lead game analyst Tony Romo has officially parted ways with CBS Sports, ending a nine-year broadcasting tenure that began when he transitioned directly from the playing field in 2017.

A Lucrative Ten-Year Deal Cut Short

Romo originally signed a lucrative 10-year, $180 million contract with CBS in early 2020. That blockbuster deal reset the market for color commentators across the television industry.

With four years and approximately $72 million remaining on that agreement, the network and the analyst chose to sever ties rather than have him return to the top broadcast booth. The mutual agreement follows an indefinite leave of absence prompted by his summer arrest.

The Wisconsin Arrest and Legal Fallout

The turning point for Romo’s broadcasting career occurred following a golf outing on July 23 in Wisconsin.

Police arrested him and charged him with unsafe passing on the right, possessing open intoxicants, and operating a vehicle while intoxicated. Police bodycam footage from the traffic stop subsequently went viral, intensifying public scrutiny on the network’s top analyst.

Romo pleaded no contest to three charges related to the incident. In statements following his plea, Romo acknowledged that he had begun relying on alcohol to cope with lingering physical pain from his NFL career and stated he was working with a team of doctors to address his health. He added that he needed time to focus on his health, family, and recovery following the legal proceedings.

CBS Sports Places Romo on Leave

On August 11, CBS Sports president David Berson addressed the situation, stating that the network placed Romo on leave to protect its image and brand as the football season approached.

The departure closes a high-profile chapter that began when Romo replaced former New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms on the network’s premier NFL team in 2017. Romo quickly gained acclaim for his enthusiastic style and ability to predict plays before they unfolded on the field.

JJ Watt Steps Into the Lead Booth

With Romo sidelined and now permanently removed, JJ Watt will finish the current season in the network’s top booth alongside play-by-play announcer Jim Nantz and sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson.

Watt entered television media on the studio show The NFL Today before transitioning to game broadcasts in 2025 alongside partner Ian Eagle. Watt acknowledged the difficult circumstances surrounding his promotion while speaking to USA TODAY Sports in August, noting that the assignment provides a rare chance to work with the lead crew on the network’s marquee matchups.

CBS is slated to broadcast the Super Bowl in 2028, giving the new broadcast team long-term stability as they head into future seasons.