Romo's OWI Arrest, CBS Leave
CBS Sports Places Tony Romo on Leave After OWI Arrest; JJ Watt Steps In
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CBS Sports has placed Tony Romo on leave "until further notice" after the former Dallas Cowboys quarterback was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving in Milwaukee. The New York Times reported that Romo, who earns $18 million a year as CBS's lead NFL analyst, was taken into custody on July 23 after police found an open bottle of alcohol in his car.
JJ Watt will step in to replace Romo alongside play-by-play announcers Jim Nantz and Ian Eagle. Romo has a court hearing scheduled for September 21, though Yahoo Sports noted he is not required to appear in person.
What Police Found During the July 23 Arrest
Officers pulled Romo over in Milwaukee on July 23. According to The New York Times, police found an "open bottle of an alcoholic beverage" inside his vehicle. He was arrested on suspicion of operating a vehicle while intoxicated, known as OWI — the Wisconsin term for what most states call a DUI.
Romo is 46 years old. He has not made a public statement about the arrest. His next court date is set for September 21, but he does not have to attend.
CBS Acts Fast, Pulling Romo Before NFL Season
CBS moved quickly once the arrest became public. The network put Romo on leave with no clear end date. Daily Mail reported his contract pays him $18 million per year, making him one of the highest-paid sports broadcasters in the country.
The timing is significant. The NFL season kicks off in September, meaning CBS had to find a replacement fast. JJ Watt, the retired defensive end and three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, will fill Romo's seat in the booth alongside Nantz and Eagle.
JJ Watt Steps Into a High-Stakes Broadcasting Role
Watt is a well-known NFL name but a newcomer to full-time broadcasting. He joins what CBS considers its top NFL announcing team. Nantz is one of the most experienced voices in sports television. Eagle has been a CBS play-by-play staple for years.
It is unclear how long Watt's role will last. CBS has not said when — or if — Romo will return. Yahoo Sports reported the leave is open-ended, leaving Romo's future at the network uncertain as the season approaches.
Romo Rose From Undrafted QB to $18M TV Star
Romo went undrafted out of Eastern Illinois in 2003. He worked his way up to become the Dallas Cowboys' starting quarterback and made four Pro Bowls. After retiring in 2017, he quickly became one of the most praised analysts in the business, known for predicting plays before they happened.
CBS signed him to a massive deal worth $18 million annually, Daily Mail reported. That made him one of the richest commentators in NFL history. His arrest now puts all of that at risk, with CBS showing no signs of rushing him back to the booth.
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