Tony Romo’s CBS future in doubt after arrest following golf tournament in Milwaukee

Tony Romo’s role as one of CBS Sports’ most recognisable NFL analysts is reportedly on hold after the former Dallas Cowboys quarterback and golf fanatic was placed on leave following an OWI arrest in Wisconsin.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, CBS has made the decision to remove Romo from its broadcast plans for the time being after he was arrested following his appearance at the Wisconsin Amateur Championship.

The 46-year-old was last week pulled over by the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office on Interstate 43 near the Marquette Interchange after competing at West Bend Country Club. 

Romo was later arrested on suspicion of operating a vehicle while intoxicated after reportedly struggling during field sobriety tests.

He received citations for refusing an intoxication test and failing the field sobriety test before being released from custody. 

Romo is scheduled to appear in court on September 21.

CBS has not publicly commented on the situation, but reports suggest the network is preparing for a temporary change in its lead NFL broadcast team.

Former NFL star J.J. Watt is expected to replace Romo alongside play-by-play announcer Jim Nantz. 

Watt joined CBS as a studio analyst in 2023 before moving into game coverage in 2025 and now looks set for a larger role ahead of the upcoming NFL season.

The reported suspension comes after a difficult week for Romo, both on and off the golf course.

The former quarterback entered the Wisconsin Amateur Championship as one of the most high-profile competitors but endured a disappointing tournament in tough conditions, finishing tied for 73rd after rounds of 79, 78, 80 and 82.

His closing 82 left him 35-over par for the championship and 32 shots behind winner Spencer Turtz — a surprising result given Romo’s reputation as one of the strongest amateur golfers among former professional athletes.

Romo plays off a plus handicap, typically around +2.5 to +3, and has regularly competed against elite players. 

Just a week earlier, he finished sixth at the American Century Championship, a tournament he has won three times in 2018, 2019 and 2022.

Romo has also received multiple opportunities to test himself against professional golfers, appearing in four PGA Tour events and three Korn Ferry Tour tournaments.

Although he never made a cut at that level, Romo’s ability to compete against professionals has earned him widespread respect within the golf world. 

He is also close friends with World No.1 Scottie Scheffler and has previously revealed they have played around 500 rounds of golf together.

Away from sport, Romo has enjoyed one of the most successful broadcasting careers of any former NFL player. 

He joined CBS in 2017 and quickly became one of the network’s biggest personalities thanks to his energetic style and ability to predict plays before they happened.

However, his future in the CBS booth is now uncertain as the network evaluates its next steps.

For now, Watt appears set to take over alongside Nantz, while Romo’s broadcasting career faces its biggest challenge since he retired from football.