Tony Romo, CBS's lead NFL color commentator, will not be fired following his arrest for Operating a Vehicle Intoxicated (OWI) last week in Milwaukee, as seen in a trending post on r/nfl. The network is reportedly considering a temporary step back for Romo, who is under contract until 2030.
Key facts
Romo was arrested on July 23, 2026, for suspicion of OWI.
His contract with CBS is worth $180 million over ten years, expiring in 2030.
Romo faces three citations totaling $1,568, including one for having an open bottle of alcohol in his vehicle.
His court date is set for September 21, 2026, during the NFL season.
Why it matters: Romo's arrest has sparked discussions about his future with CBS, especially as he prepares for the upcoming NFL season. The decision to keep him employed reflects CBS's commitment to its broadcasting strategy.
CBS pays Romo approximately $18 million annually, making him one of the highest-paid sports analysts in the industry.
The network's choice not to fire him indicates a belief in his long-term value, even as they acknowledge the severity of his actions.
Romo's situation could impact public perception and ratings as he navigates the fallout from his arrest.
Driving the news: Romo was pulled over shortly after 6 p.m. on Interstate 43, where he performed poorly on field sobriety tests and refused a preliminary breath test. An open bottle of alcohol was found in his vehicle.
He was arrested on July 23, 2026, and later released, with his next court appearance scheduled for September 21.
Romo's arrest followed his participation in the Wisconsin Amateur Championship, where he finished 35-over par.
After the incident, he canceled his appearance at the Texas State Open, opting to maintain a low profile.
The big picture: Romo has been CBS's lead NFL analyst since retiring from professional football in 2017. His commentary has received mixed reviews over the years, with some fans expressing dissatisfaction with his performance.
There is a growing debate about Romo's effectiveness as an analyst, with some critics calling for his removal from the network.
Supporters argue that one mistake should not overshadow his entire career, emphasizing his previous success as a broadcaster.
The reaction on social media has been polarized, with many fans still appreciating his insights.
What they're saying: CBS executives have publicly addressed the situation, emphasizing that Romo's actions are serious but do not warrant termination.
"I don’t want to act like it’s not a big deal, because it is. But it’s not going to get him fired," a CBS executive stated.
A source close to Romo remarked, "He knows he made a terrible decision and is well aware of it and he knows he disappointed not only himself, but those he works with and family."
Another insider noted, "He might step back a little, short term, but he isn’t going anywhere long term. That wouldn’t make any sense for us at all."
By the numbers: Romo's financial arrangements with CBS are substantial, raising questions about how his recent behavior might affect his standing.
His current contract is valued at $180 million over ten years, with $72 million remaining over the next four years.
Romo is facing three citations totaling $1,568 for OWI, unsafe passing, and possessing an open alcohol container.
His upcoming court date coincides with the second week of the NFL season, adding pressure to his situation.
What's next: As Romo prepares for the upcoming NFL season, he is expected to maintain a low profile and focus on his responsibilities.
He has already expressed regret over his actions and is working to manage the fallout from his arrest.
Romo's performance in the booth will be closely monitored, especially as he navigates public scrutiny.
Fans and critics alike will follow closely to see how this incident impacts his role at CBS and his credibility as an analyst.
Romo's ability to rebound from this incident will be tested as he enters his tenth season as CBS's lead NFL analyst, sharing the booth with Jim Nantz.
This article is grounded in a discussion trending on Reddit. Claims from the original post and comments may not reflect independently verified reporting.