CBS Places Tony Romo on Leave After Milwaukee OWI Arrest

CBS Sports announced on August 1, 2026, that Tony Romo, the network’s lead NFL analyst, has been placed on leave “until further notice” following his arrest on July 23 in Milwaukee on suspicion of operating a vehicle while intoxicated. The former Dallas Cowboys quarterback, who has been a fixture in CBS’s NFL coverage since 2017, faces a court date set for September 21, 2026.

Details of Tony Romo’s Arrest in Milwaukee

On July 23, Tony Romo was stopped by deputies from the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office while driving southbound on Interstate 43. According to the arrest report, Romo was pulled over for unsafe passing, lane deviation, and cutting across the gore area, a restricted zone near highway exits. During the stop, Romo reportedly performed poorly on standard field sobriety tests (SFSTs), prompting his arrest on suspicion of operating a vehicle while impaired (OWI).

Body camera footage released from the incident shows Romo explaining to deputies that he was en route to visit his grandparents. He also mentioned coming from a golf course where he had been playing in the Wisconsin Amateur Championship. Romo attended high school in nearby Burlington, Wisconsin, adding a local connection to the incident.

Impact on CBS Sports NFL Coverage

Following the arrest, CBS Sports moved swiftly to place Romo on an indefinite leave from his role as the network’s lead NFL analyst. Romo has worked alongside Jim Nantz and Tracy Wolfson as part of CBS’s top broadcasting team since his retirement from professional football in 2017. His transition from star quarterback to acclaimed analyst has made him a central figure in NFL broadcasts.

To fill Romo’s absence, CBS has named former NFL defensive star J.J. Watt as the interim lead analyst. Watt, who retired in 2022, began his broadcasting career with CBS in 2023 as a studio analyst on “The NFL Today.” He later advanced to in-game analyst roles, including pairing with Ian Eagle as the network’s No. 2 NFL broadcast team in 2025.

J.J. Watt Steps Into Leading Role

At 37 years old, J.J. Watt brings a decorated NFL career and growing broadcasting experience to the lead analyst position during Romo’s leave. Watt is a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year and has been praised for his insightful commentary and energetic presence on air. In 2025, he expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to work closer to game-day action, saying, “There is nothing better than the energy and excitement of being in the stadium on game day in the NFL. I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to return to that atmosphere each week, working with one of the best in Ian Eagle.”

Watt’s promotion is expected to maintain CBS Sports’ strong NFL broadcast reputation as the network navigates the temporary loss of one of its marquee personalities.

Tony Romo’s NFL Legacy and Broadcasting Career

Before his broadcasting career, Tony Romo spent 13 seasons exclusively with the Dallas Cowboys, rising from an undrafted free agent to become a four-time Pro Bowl selection and the franchise’s all-time leader in touchdown passes. Since retiring, Romo has earned widespread acclaim for his ability to predict plays and explain complex game dynamics, making him a fan favorite and key asset for CBS Sports.

His current legal situation and leave of absence mark a significant interruption in his post-playing career. Romo’s court date on September 21, 2026, will be closely watched by the sports and broadcasting communities alike.

As CBS Sports adjusts its NFL coverage lineup, the network and its fans await further updates on Romo’s status while J.J. Watt takes on the lead analyst role in the interim.