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Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback and CBS NFL analyst Tony Romo pleaded no contest Tuesday to a civil offense of operating while intoxicated. The plea follows Romo’s arrest on July 23 in Wisconsin following a traffic stop on Interstate 43. Romo, 46, subsequently issued a statement on Instagram, stating that he is taking responsibility for his actions while addressing personal health challenges involving pain management.
The incident occurred when Romo was stopped while driving south in a black Jeep. According to the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office, a deputy noted Romo had "red glassy eyes" and an "odor of an intoxicating alcoholic beverage." Romo performed poorly on field sobriety tests, and an open bottle of an alcoholic beverage was found in his vehicle during an inventory. Although initially cited for refusing an intoxication test, court records show the case was amended to include charges of unsafe passing on the right and possession of open intoxicants.
Under the terms of the resolution, Romo was fined $834 and lost his driving privileges for six months. He must also undergo an alcohol assessment program and install an ignition interlock device on any vehicle he operates or owns for at least one year after his license is reinstated. In his statement, Romo attributed his recent struggles to debilitating pain from multiple back surgeries during his playing career, which he said led to a dependence on pain medication and a subsequent over-reliance on alcohol.
CBS Sports has placed Romo on leave from his role as the network’s lead game analyst. CBS Sports president David Berson stated last month he does not have a timeline for a decision on Romo’s future.
Beginning one year after he regains his license, Romo will be required to use an ignition interlock device, which prevents a vehicle from starting if alcohol is detected on the driver's breath. While on leave, Romo will not be present for scheduled broadcasts, including the game between the Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers.
During Romo’s absence, analyst J.J. Watt will move into the lead broadcast booth alongside Jim Nantz and Tracy Wolfson. This shift has also moved Ross Tucker to the No. 2 team. The next scheduled event for the CBS broadcast team is the September 13 game, which will be the first test of the network's modified lineup. Romo indicated he is working with medical professionals and intends to return to the booth eventually, though no date has been set. --- WHO: Tony Romo, former Dallas Cowboys quarterback and CBS NFL analyst WHAT: Tony Romo pleaded no contest to operating while intoxicated (OWI) and received a fine and license suspension. WHEN: Tuesday morning, September 1, 2026 WHERE: Milwaukee County, Wisconsin WHY: Romo was arrested following a traffic stop where he performed poorly on field sobriety tests and was found with an open container of alcohol.