Tony Romo's CBS exit comes after arrest following golf tournament
The former Cowboys quarterback was placed on leave following his arrest after a Wisconsin golf outing, with JJ Watt now taking his place in CBS Sports' top NFL booth.
Tony Romo’s nine-year run with CBS Sports has come to an end, with the former Dallas Cowboys quarterback and the network agreeing to part ways.
Romo, 46, had been absent from CBS’ NFL coverage since being placed on indefinite leave following his July arrest in Wisconsin.
The network has now confirmed that the split is permanent, bringing an unexpected end to one of the most high-profile broadcasting careers in recent American sports.
“Thank you for your contributions over the last nine years and wish him the best moving forward,” CBS said in a statement.
Romo moved into the CBS booth in 2017, just months after ending his playing career with the Cowboys.
He was immediately handed the network’s biggest assignment, replacing Phil Simms alongside legendary play-by-play announcer Jim Nantz.
The move proved an instant success.
Romo quickly became known for his energetic style, detailed understanding of offensive and defensive schemes and uncanny ability to anticipate plays before they happened.
His popularity eventually led CBS to hand him a reported 10-year, $180 million contract in 2020, making him one of the highest-paid sports broadcasters in television.
That deal still had around four years and approximately $72 million remaining.
However, Romo’s position changed dramatically after his arrest on July 23 following a golf tournament.
He was charged with operating while intoxicated, unsafe passing and possessing an open intoxicant, later pleading no contest to three charges.
CBS subsequently turned to JJ Watt as Romo’s interim replacement.
What was initially viewed as a temporary arrangement has now become permanent, with Watt set to continue alongside Nantz and sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson on CBS’ No. 1 NFL crew.
For Watt, it represents a rapid rise in broadcasting.
The former Houston Texans and Arizona Cardinals star only began calling NFL games recently, having previously worked on CBS’ studio coverage.
Romo, meanwhile, says he plans to take some time away before considering his next move.
“I’m going to use this time to take a break,” Romo said, adding that he wants to focus on his family and health before moving on to his next opportunity.
After nearly a decade at the heart of CBS’ NFL coverage, the Tony Romo era is officially over.
Andy Roberts first joined GolfMagic on a month's work experience back in April 2011.
Andy then assumed the role of GolfMagic Editor in 2015.
