CBS Sports announced on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026, that it has mutually agreed to part ways with NFL game analyst Tony Romo. The announcement follows Romo’s arrest in July on charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OWI). Romo, a former Dallas Cowboys quarterback who joined the network in 2017, had been on leave since the start of the current season.
The departure follows a July 23 traffic stop in Milwaukee, where a sheriff’s officer reported a strong odor of alcohol on Romo’s breath and noted he performed poorly on field sobriety tests. In addition to the OWI charge, Romo was charged with unsafe passing on the right and possessing open intoxicants. On Sept. 1, Romo pleaded no contest to the OWI charge.
As part of his plea, a court revoked Romo's driving privileges for six months and ordered the installation of an ignition interlock device on any vehicle he operates. He was also fined $784 and ordered to complete an alcohol assessment program. Romo later stated on social media that chronic pain from football-related back surgeries led to a dependence on pain medication and a subsequent over-reliance on alcohol.
The exit of Tony Romo affects the broadcast for NFL viewers who watch CBS’s primary weekly game coverage. Romo had four years remaining on a 10-year, $180 million contract extension, leaving approximately $72 million on the deal, though it is not yet reported how much of that sum Romo will receive. J.J. Watt will continue as the lead analyst, partnering with Jim Nantz and Tracy Wolfson for the remainder of the 2026 season.
Romo was one of the highest-paid analysts in television history, earning approximately $18 million per year. CBS noted that Watt now has the opportunity to remain in the lead color commentator position if he performs well throughout the rest of the year.
The next steps for Romo involve completing his court-ordered alcohol assessment program and serving his six-month license revocation, which began in September. Romo stated he intends to take a break to focus on his health and family before seeking new opportunities. CBS confirmed that all other broadcast teams, including those featuring Ian Eagle, Ross Tucker, and Evan Washburn, will remain unchanged for the duration of the 2026 NFL season.