Tony Romo Pleads No Contest to OWI, Issues Apology and Admits to Alcohol Dependency

Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback and CBS NFL analyst Tony Romo pleaded no contest to a charge of operating while intoxicated (OWI) in Wisconsin on Tuesday, according to multiple reports. The plea stems from a July 23 traffic stop on Interstate 43, where Romo was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.

In a statement posted to his Instagram account, Romo confirmed the plea and addressed the incident directly. "This morning, I faced a recent personal failure by pleading no contest to a civil offense for OWI in Wisconsin," he wrote. "I own this completely."

Romo, 46, went on to explain that his actions were linked to long-term health struggles. "Multiple back surgeries ended my career earlier than I expected and left me with constant, debilitating pain," he said. "That pain led to a dependence on pain medication, and my efforts to get off those medications led to an over-reliance on alcohol." He was careful to note, "None of this is an excuse. These are my failures, and I take responsibility for them."

The former quarterback also said he is "working closely with a team of doctors to address my health and make the necessary changes," and he thanked his family, friends, and the NFL community for their support. He expressed hope for a return to broadcasting, writing, "As I turn my attention to my health, my family, and, in time, my return to CBS, I kindly ask for privacy during this period."

Legal Consequences

According to Milwaukee County court records, Romo's driving privileges have been revoked for six months, and he was ordered to complete an alcohol assessment program. He owes $834 in fines and must have an ignition interlock device installed on any vehicle he owns or operates for at least one year after his license is issued. Reports vary on the exact fine amount, with some outlets listing it as $784, but the court records cited by multiple news organizations state $834.

The arrest occurred after deputies pulled Romo over for what The Dallas Morning News described as "unsafe passing on the right" and "lane deviation." Body camera footage obtained by The Dallas Morning News shows Romo providing his license and phone number before being asked about his alcohol consumption. He requested to call a lawyer when asked to perform field sobriety tests, and he later refused a preliminary breathalyzer test, saying he "heard from all the lawyers, don't ever do that."

A deputy noted that Romo had "red glassy eyes" and an "odor of an intoxicating alcoholic beverage," according to a report from NBC 5 Chicago. After deputies obtained a search warrant, they found an open bottle of alcohol in his vehicle, as reported by Essentially Sports. Romo was booked into the Milwaukee County Jail and later released.

CBS Leave and Replacement

CBS placed Romo on leave from his role as lead NFL analyst "until further notice," according to a statement from the network. CBS Sports president David Berson said there is no timeline for a decision about Romo's future. In the interim, JJ Watt will join Jim Nantz and Tracy Wolfson as the lead broadcast team, with their first game scheduled for Sept. 13, when the Minnesota Vikings host the Green Bay Packers. Ross Tucker will replace Watt in the No. 2 booth, and the network has not yet announced its Week 2 schedule.

Romo has served as CBS's lead game analyst since 2017 after signing a reported 10-year, $180 million contract in 2020.

Background and Response

Romo, a Wisconsin native who grew up in Burlington, spent his entire 13-year NFL career with the Dallas Cowboys. He went undrafted in 2003, became the full-time starter in 2006, and retired after the 2016 season. He holds franchise records for career touchdown passes (248) and was the passing yards leader until Dak Prescott surpassed him last season. He led the Cowboys to the playoffs four times and was a four-time Pro Bowler.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones defended Romo in comments reported by , saying, "I love him, I love what he's about, I love his character." Support also came from former teammates and rivals, including Tom Brady, who commented with three heart emojis on Romo's Instagram post, and Dez Bryant, who responded with heart and folded hands emojis.