CBS Places Tony Romo on Leave After OWI Arrest

Eight days after Tony Romo, the top game analyst for CBS Sports, was arrested for operating while under the influence (OWI), the network has placed him on indefinite leave. CBS issued a statement on Friday, confirming Romo’s absence from his role until further notice. The former Dallas Cowboys quarterback was set to enter his tenth season with CBS’s premier NFL broadcast team alongside Jim Nantz, the play-by-play announcer, and sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson.

However, on July 23, Romo was pulled over by police in Wisconsin and charged with OWI. According to the police report, he failed field sobriety tests and refused a breathalyzer test. Moreover, police discovered an open alcohol container in his vehicle, as reported by TMZ and the Associated Press. Romo, 46, has not yet addressed the incident publicly.

Meanwhile, JJ Watt, who joined CBS as a game analyst last season, will step in to work with Nantz and Wolfson during Romo’s leave. Prior to CBS, Romo spent 13 seasons with the Cowboys and quickly gained a reputation as a sports media sensation, earning the nickname "Romostradamus" for his apparent ability to predict plays. He signed a 10-year, $180 million contract extension with CBS in 2020, setting a new market standard for player salaries.

However, recent years have seen Romo under increased scrutiny due to on-air mistakes and a perceived lack of dedication. CBS may be able to save approximately $72 million from the last four years of Romo’s contract if it decides to terminate his agreement following his arrest. If CBS opts to move on from Romo, Watt, who has received high praise for his on-air performance alongside Ian Eagle last season, would likely be the most likely full-time replacement for the network’s top game analyst position.

CBS announced on Friday that it will unveil its full roster for the 2026 NFL season at a later date.