Tony Romo Placed on Leave from CBS After Arrest

Tony Romo, former Dallas Cowboys quarterback and lead analyst for CBS’ NFL coverage, is on leave following an arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence. CBS Sports announced the leave, stating it will last “until further notice.” JJ Watt is set to join Jim Nantz and Tracy Wolfson on CBS Sports’ lead NFL team during Romo’s absence.

Romo, 46, was arrested on July 23 while driving on Interstate 43 in Wisconsin. According to a report from the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office, Romo failed field sobriety tests before being taken into custody. He was booked and later released, with a court date scheduled for September 21.

CBS Sports’ decision follows details from the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office citations, which noted an open alcoholic beverage was found in the passenger’s side of Romo’s vehicle. Police cited Romo for driving through a gore area, a section that separates interstate traffic from on-ramp entry, and reported Romo’s lack of understanding about the terminology during the stop.

Body camera footage shows Romo stating he was traveling from a golf course to visit family. Deputies reported signs of impairment, citing his “red glassy eyes” and the “odor of an intoxicating alcoholic beverage.”

Romo, who attended high school in Burlington, Wisconsin, has been with CBS since 2017. His NFL career spanned from 2004 to 2016, exclusively with Dallas, where he made four Pro Bowl appearances. He still holds the Cowboys’ franchise record for career touchdown passes at 248, though Dak Prescott recently surpassed his record for passing yards.

JJ Watt joined CBS in 2023, previously working on “The NFL Today” and teamed with Ian Eagle on the network’s No. 2 crew. Romo was not scheduled to begin game coverage until the regular season opener on September 13. CBS plans to air a preseason game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Philadelphia Eagles on August 28. The network intends to release game assignments and announcer pairings for the first weeks of the regular season soon.