CBS Sports and broadcaster Tony Romo mutually part ways

• Romo was arrested on July 23 after leaving a golf course in Wisconsin and was subsequently placed on indefinite leave by CBS before the mutual separation was announced
• J.J. Watt will continue as CBS's lead NFL analyst alongside Jim Nantz and Tracy Wolfson for the remainder of the 2026 season
• Romo attributed his alcohol issues to debilitating chronic pain from multiple back surgeries and three broken collarbones during his playing career, which led to dependence on pain medication

CBS Sports and Tony Romo Mutually Part Ways Following DUI Arrest

CBS Sports and former NFL analyst Tony Romo ended their nine-year partnership on Friday, October 2, 2026, approximately 10 weeks after Romo's arrest for operating a vehicle while intoxicated. The former Dallas Cowboys quarterback had served as the network's lead NFL analyst since 2017.

Key Details:

Romo, 46, was arrested on July 23, 2026, after leaving a golf course in Wisconsin. He pleaded no contest to the civil OWI charge on September 1 in a Wisconsin court. CBS placed him on indefinite leave following the incident.

Personnel Changes:

J.J. Watt will continue as CBS's lead analyst, partnering with play-by-play announcer Jim Nantz and sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson for the remainder of the 2026 NFL season.

Romo's Statement:

The former quarterback cited health issues stemming from his playing career as contributing factors to the incident. He disclosed that multiple back surgeries, along with three broken collarbones and other injuries that caused him to miss significant playing time (10 games in 2010, 12 in 2015), resulted in chronic pain. This led to pain medication dependence and subsequently "over-reliance on alcohol." Romo stated he plans to take his first extended break to focus on health and family before pursuing his next opportunity.

Market Implications:

The departure represents a significant broadcasting personnel change for CBS Sports' NFL coverage. Romo had been one of the network's most prominent voices in football commentary since transitioning from his playing career, which ended prematurely due to injuries.