Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo hadn’t called an NFL game for CBS this season after he was placed on leave following his July 23 arrest in Wisconsin on suspicion of operating while intoxicated.
On the first Friday of October, CBS confirmed what had become expected news regarding Romo’s future with the network.
Tony Romo out at CBS
Per The Athletic,
Front Office Sports and ESPN, CBS revealed in a statement Friday that the company and Romo have parted ways.
“CBS Sports and Tony Romo have mutually agreed to part ways,” the network said in its statement. “We thank Tony for his contributions over the past nine years and wish him the best moving forward.”
Back in February 2020, Romo and CBS agreed to a 10-year contract
worth up to $180M. That deal reportedly contained a morals clause, but CBS’ statement suggests the two sides worked out an agreement regarding his departure.
“Entering the 2026 season, CBS owed Romo $72M over the next four years,” Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio explained. “They possibly reached a settlement that pays him some of the money, but not all of it.”
Romo was once viewed as the best in-game analyst among the NFL’s main media partners. However, he repeatedly became the subject of criticism for his work over the past handful of seasons before his arrest.
Back on Sept. 1, Romo pleaded no contest and had his driving privileges revoked for six months. Additionally, he was ordered to have ignition interlock devices installed on vehicles he owns or operates, attend and complete an alcohol assessment program and pay a fine of $784.
What Tony Romo said about CBS departure
“I’m proud of what I accomplished at CBS Sports over the last nine years,” Romo said in a statement shared by media outlets. “I approached my role as a game analyst the way I’ve approached everything in my life –- with a desire to win and be the best that I can be. I’m going to use this time to take a break, something I’ve never done before, and focus on my health and my family before moving on to my next opportunity. I am grateful for my time with CBS Sports and for the continued support of my family and friends, as well as the NFL community and fans.”
What Tony Romo news means for CBS, NFL
Retired defensive superstar J.J. Watt took over as CBS’ lead in-game analyst after the network placed Romo on leave. Watt will remain in that role until further notice, but his contract ends at the end of the season.
ESPN’s Troy Aikman and Fox’s Greg Olsen could become available to CBS and other networks/streaming platforms following the ongoing campaign. As for Romo, it remains to be seen whether any of the league’s media partners will make him an offer to call games for at least the 2027 season.