Tony Romo may face a delay of game after being arrested in Milwaukee last week on suspicion of driving under the influence.
CBS Sports said Friday that Romo, its star NFL analyst and a former Dallas Cowboys quarterback, was “on leave until further notice,” a move that may sideline its star analyst just as the next NFL season comes into closer focus.
Romo on July 23 was stopped as he was driving on Interstate 43 in Milwaukee, according to press reports and citations released by the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office. An open bottle of alcohol was spotted in the black Jeep he was driving. Romo refused to take an intoxication test after his arrest and has a court appearance scheduled for Sept. 21.
The NFL’s 2026-2027 season starts on Sept. 9. On CBS’ telecasts, JJ Watt and Tracy Wolfson will join Romo’s regular on-air partner, Jim Nantz, during Romo’s absence.
Romo, whose deal with CBS was valued in 2020 at about $17 million per year, has been an instrumental part of the company’s roster of sports talent, and the company’s decision to put him on leave could have consequences beyond who will call the opening game in CBS’ next season of telecasting professional football in the afternoon. The NFL has already held preliminary talks with CBS parent Paramount Skydance, according to two people familiar with the matter, about certain terms of a new rights deal. The change of control of the company, which is backed by the Ellison family, who bought Paramount from longtime owner Shari Redstone, triggered the league’s ability to discuss terms.
